Jun 14, 2021
We knock out a bunch of
previously unexplored US soccer franchises of yore with the
delightful Graham "Buster" Tutt ("Never Give Up: The Graham
'Buster' Tutt Story") - whose tragically derailed, but
ultimately persevering pro soccer journey across three continents
serves as the backdrop for intriguing tales of the modern-day
American pro game's formative years.
A promising young goalkeeper for
England's Charlton Athletic in the early 1970s, Tutt turned pro
with the London club the day after graduating high school at age
17, ultimately making 78 first-team appearances and helping the
Addicks vault from the FA's Third Division to the precipice of the
First in just three seasons.
However, during a promotional
bid game against Sunderland in 1976, Tutt suffered a brutal kick to
the face that broke his cheekbone and nose, internally damaged his
right eye, and permanently damaged his right eye - effectively
ending his playing career.
Yet, after two eye operations
and 18 months of difficult recovery, Tutt found redemption as a
two-time Goalkeeper of the Year in the rough-and-tumble South
African League - before springboarding to the burgeoning American
pro soccer scene in 1980.
Join us for Tutt's Stateside
adventures with the ASL Columbus Magic, outdoor/indoor NASL Atlanta
Chiefs, ASL Georgia Generals & the AISA/NPSL indoor Atlanta
Attack.