David Seaman had no idea where Peterborough was when Posh wanted to sign him, but he will forever be grateful to the club that set him on the road to stardom

In one of a series of interviews with Peterborough United players of the past, club press officer Phil Adlam caught up with the biggest and best of them all, former England and Arsenal goalkeeper David Seaman.
David Seaman poses outside his house in Orton Brimbles in 1982. Photo: David Lowndes.David Seaman poses outside his house in Orton Brimbles in 1982. Photo: David Lowndes.
David Seaman poses outside his house in Orton Brimbles in 1982. Photo: David Lowndes.

Seaman talks Orton Brimbles, the late, great Bill Harvey, golf at Thorpe Wood and Orton Meadows, the Great Northern Hotel and how Posh helped him overcame a crushing disappointment at the hands of one of his heroes.

Seaman, who is now 56, joined Posh in 1982 and played 106 appearances in two and a bit seasons before moving on to Birmingham City, QPR and Arsenal. He made 959 career appearances.

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Seaman also won 75 England caps and is the second most-capped England goalkeeper after Peter Shilton.

David Seaman opens the suite named in his honour at London Road in 2008.David Seaman opens the suite named in his honour at London Road in 2008.
David Seaman opens the suite named in his honour at London Road in 2008.

There is a ‘David Seaman Suite’ named in his honour at London Road.

Seaman said: “I was a big Leeds United fan and was lucky enough to do an apprenticeship at the club and to gain a pro contract.

“At the end of that first year as a pro I was the second choice goalkeeper to John Lukic. I was only 19 and looking forward to spending a season in the reserves.

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Allan Clarke was the Leeds manager who had taken me on, but he left and was replaced by Eddie Gray and I was told to go and see the new gaffer.

David Seaman after a Posh match.David Seaman after a Posh match.
David Seaman after a Posh match.

“He just told me straight he wanted a more experienced back-up goalkeeper and that he was letting me go.

“I was devastated to be told that by one of my heroes. I went home and cried my eyes out not knowing what I was going to do.

“About a week later I received a call from Martin Wilkinson who had been Clarke’s assistant at Leeds and who had also left the club. He was now manager at Peterborough and he wanted me.

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“I was keen of course, but the first thing I did was turn to my dad as ask ‘where’s Peterborough?’ I had no clue.

David Seaman with the ET Posh 'Player-of-the-Year trophy.David Seaman with the ET Posh 'Player-of-the-Year trophy.
David Seaman with the ET Posh 'Player-of-the-Year trophy.

“Anyway there were no agents in those days so I went down with my dad and I remember walking around the pitch and him telling me to make sure I refused the first offer!

“Obviously I did sign and what a great decision it was. I have never forgotten what Peterborough did for me at the start of my career. I still appreciate it now. I have only great memories of the place.

“I had to learn quickly though and I had to do it on my own. I didn’t have a goalkeeping coach at Leeds so I wasn’t getting one at Peterborough.

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“Bill Harvey, God bless him, was a great help on and off the field. He helped me move into my house in Peterborough and he helped me in training by kicking balls at me.

David Seaman on a return visit to London Road after his retirement.David Seaman on a return visit to London Road after his retirement.
David Seaman on a return visit to London Road after his retirement.

“After signing I stayed at the Great Northern Hotel by the railway. Me and dad went down for dinner and couldn’t understand a word of the menu as it was in French. Luckily Martin Wilkinson was staying in there and he ordered for us.

“My first house was rented in Orton Brimbles for £25 a week. I was with my then girlfriend and it was a new estate. It was perfect as Orton Meadows golf course was next door and I loved my golf.

“Every day after training I’d head down to Thorpe Wood and help the pros re-grip clubs just so I could get a free lesson.

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“It was at Thorpe Wood that I came closest to claiming a hole in one. On the first, which is a par three, I hit a six iron and it lipped out of the hole!

“On the pitch I soon realised it was a different world playing in competitive football in a big stadium with the result mattering so much to so many fans.

“It was a massive jump and a massive shock at first. I had to learn fast. I was wafer thin and every time I came out for a cross I got hit. Once at Bury I got knocked spark out. Bill Harvey threw some water on my face to wake me up and told me to get up as we had to defend a corner!

“But I came through it. I gained so much experience that was to be so useful later in my career.

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“I played lots of games and there were some quality players knocking around in Division Four.

“We had some. Micky Gynn had the fastest feet I’ve ever seen. Neil Firm came down with me from Leeds and was rock solid and there were top players like Trevor Quow and Trevor Slack.

“Quowy used to put so much product in his hair I was scared I’d never be able to catch the ball if he’d headed it as it would be too slippy.

“I did okay overall. I saved some penalties, played 40-odd games in my first season and then in my second season I was player-of-the-year which was a great feeling.

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“I even got called up for England Under 21s while at Peterborough. There were no mobile phones in those days so one of the coaches came knocking at my door and told me the good news.

“Mind you I was worked so hard in my first training England training session I nearly threw up and I thought I was never going to make an international footballer if this was how hard it was going to be.

“Unfortunately straight after the second season at Peterborough I was sold to Birmingham City for £100k or £125k I can’t remember exactly how much.

“I went to talks at Birmingham with John Wile who was now the Peterborough manager. I didn’t say a word as John just chatted with Birmingham manager Ron Saunders and then they asked me if everything was okay and I just signed. I didn’t really have any choice.

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“Ron had a great knowledge of goalkeeping and was another great help in my career. He made me train hard in front of the press straight after I’d signed and he then announced at the press conference that’s I’d play for England

“Birmingham were in Division Two at the time, but won promotion in my first season there.

“My career really kicked on then, but I will never forget Peterborough’s part.

“I was a typical Yorkshireman who wanted to prove everyone wrong and Peterborough gave me the perfect start.”