Brendan Ormsby - ex Rover

[silent majority]

Former Leeds United captain Brendan Ormsby, who suffered a stroke just before Christmas, is battling back by setting his sights set on a new goal - competing in a Leeds 10k run this summer.

Yorkshire Evening Post columnist Ormsby,53, is recovering in hospital in York following the stroke on December 22 – just a day after attending Leeds United’s clash with Barnsley at Elland Road.

The condition of Ormsby, who played 57 matches in all competitions for Leeds between 1986-90, has improved in the past week. Scores of United supporters have tweeted their thoughts, wishing the ex-centre-half a speedy recovery.

The ex centre-half, who led Leeds to the FA Cup semi-final and Division Two play-offs in 1986-87, is now focusing on his rehabilitation, with his own cup final coming on July 20 when he, wife Wendy, son Liam and his girlfriend Marianne hope to compete in the Jane Tomlinson Run for All Leeds 10k in aid of the Stroke Association.

Wendy said: “We were talking about it the other night and the four of us are going to do the Jane Tomlinson 10K run in July as a focus and goal for him. It’s a while away, but something to aim for. Brendan didn’t have any choice when he asked him and he just nodded his head!”

On her husband’s condition, she added: “He is improving and getting better and stronger every day.

“Physically, he is doing a lot better. But it is obviously going to take time.

“We’d just like to thank everybody for thinking and worrying about him.

“As a family, we are very thankful for all the good wishes and Brendan is. We are aware of all the well-wishers.”

Ormsby, who worked as a postman in Moortown after retiring from football, 
writes the Ask Ormsby column for the sports section of the YEP.

A LEGEND WITH A HEART

AN INSPIRATIONAL leader, Brendan Ormsby became a Leeds United legend during his time with the club.

Born in Birmingham on October 1, 1960, the 5ft 11ins central defender also played for Aston Villa, Shrewsbury, Doncaster, Waterford United, Scarborough and Wigan.

He made 57 appearances for Leeds United and scored seven goals. He was appointed the honorary president of the Scarborough branch of the Leeds United Members’ Club, and has had a beer, Ormsby’s Bitter, named after him.

[Jonathan]

Great courage and good to hear. I remember him well as captain of the team in my first ever football match.

[Al4475]

He and Jack Ashurst seemed to be a pair of colossuses at the back! Good luck to him!

[DearneValleyRover]

Aye good luck Brendan

[RobTheRover]

I liked Brendan as a player.  A true leader on the pitch.  Ashurst seemed to run as though he had lead piping for bones in his legs.  Not the most mobile, if I were being generous.

[Lesonthewest]

Remember watching him for Rovers like it was yesterday, what he lacked in height he more than made up for with courage & leadership. Just goes to show you never know what's around the corner, all the very best to him & here's hoping a speedy recovery.

[idler]

Good luck Brendan. A great player for us.
A good honest professional.

[BillyStubbsTears]

A proper mester when we were at a low point. Ormsby and Uncle Jack often seemed as though they were personally holding the side together. The very best of luck to him.

[Jimmydee]

I'm sure that I read in a rovers programme that he had a European cup winners medal with Villa.
I remember him playing for Garforth Town at Brodsworth and he gave a horrific crunching tackle to Danny Schofield (ex Huddersfield and now at Rotherham) The ref didn't have the balls to send Brendan off.
Good luck Brendan, I hope that he makes a full recovery.

[ctay]

Big Bren looked 50 when he played for us!! Good luck to him, always liked him.

[podrover73]

Just the player we needed at the time , remember him calling in to the Rovers Clubhouse after the game to mingle with the fans as they did in them days. 

Good Luck Brendan

[roversdude]

Must have been one of our smallest centre halfs but still a legend
All the best Brendan in your recovery