By Roger Sleeman
As the sporting enthusiast surveys the football life of John Warren on the walls of the Jamberoo Hotel, it is easy to be caught in a time warp.
November 6th was a significant day for his former team-mates and supporters who gathered to celebrate his life in football as they honoured the tenth anniversary of his passing.
For those fortunate to be there at the start when Warren played 1st grade for Canterbury- Marrickville in 1959, the memories linger on.
Warren and his brothers, Ross and Geoff, were synonymous with all that was good in football because they were local products at a time when the game was dominated by imported players.
Warren emerged as a supreme talent, leading to his selection in the national team when he played in Australia’s first qualifying matches in Asia against North Korea in 1965, a series where the players have been completely ignored by the Local Organising Committee of the Asian Cup.
Also, he first captained the Australian side in their victory over South Korea in the Vietnam Tournament of 1967.
There were many highlights in his playing career, some which will remain forever in my mind.
I will never forget when Australia played Greece at the S.C.G. in 1969 and Warren unleashed a torpedo shot from halfway which amazingly hit the Greek keeper straight in the chest despite the fact he never saw it.
1969 was to mark Australia’s next participation in World Cup qualification and after travelling half way round the world, the squad returned to Sydney to play a second leg against Israel, after losing 1-0 in Tel Aviv.
I clearly recall the way “ Skippy” inspired his team-mates that day with a man of the match performance at the Sydney Sports Ground but unfortunately his outstanding pace and powerful shooting weren’t enough to influence the scoreline as Israel achieved a 1-1 draw which eliminated the Aussies.
When the Budapest club relocated in the St. George area, Warren’s contribution was critical in promoting the club brand in the district and I remember well the wonderful Sunday afternoons spent at Hurstville Oval in the late 1960’s to the mid 1970’s as the Saints paraded stars like Abonyi, Schaefer, Cliss, Alston, Utjesenovic, Harris, Ainslie, F raser, Williams and the irrepressible John Warren.
Considering, the game received scant media publicity in those days, the club could be well proud of the following it attracted in sacred rugby league territory with crowds regularly topping the 5,000 mark.
When Warren played against East Germany in Hamburg at the 1974 World Cup Finals, he fulfilled his greatest dream but it was his final professional match at the Sydney Sports Ground in the grandfinal of 1974 which personified the special talent he possessed.
Receiving the ball just inside Hakoah’s half, he mesmerised the opposition with a mazy run before entering the penalty area and hitting the ball with the outside of his right foot, high into the left hand corner of the net.
A coaching career was a natural progression for Warren and he made a great impact at St. George and Canberra City but when the opportunity to join the SBS network as a football commentator presented itself in 1980, he grabbed it with open arms.
Warren had appeared previously on the 7 network on a Sunday morning time slot so he took to the challenge on SBS like a duck to water.
One fondly remembers his participation at France’ 98 with arguably the best presenter in the world, Paul Dempsey, and it was like music to the ears listening to the duo from the Paris studio.
John Warren spent his life advancing the cause of football and he was one of the few personalities in the Australian game who was respected by the sporting public and people from international football circles.
With the formation of the Johnny Warren Football Foundation in 2005, his legacy has been carried on by his nephew, Jamie, the Foundation chairman, and pleasingly brothers Geoff and Ross have finally relented and agreed to serve on the Board.
On a personal note, I have a few stories to relate my dealings with John Warren.
It was August, 1974 and at the time I was employed by the Ampol Oil Company in marketing services.
One day I received a phone call from Warren on behalf of the St. George club which had an account with Ampol but our conversation quickly diverted to football.
Warren kindly asked me to the St. George club the following week and literally laid out the red carpet treatment, showering me with a magnificent lunch and many souvenirs while we discussed the ins and outs of the game.
It still stands out as one of the most memorable experiences in my 56 years of living and breathing football and when John signed his book for me in 2002, he wrote the remarkable comment,”To another true believer”.
Critically, Warren shared his passion for football with everybody; whatever their status in the game, and through the Foundation and people who continue to tell his story, his name and ideals will undoubtedly live forever.
SOCCEROO COMMENTS ON JOHNNY
RAY BAARTZ
John Warren was an inspirational captain and leader on and off the field and would always give 110% in a game.
He was a pleasure to play with because he was a gentleman on and off the field.
COL CURRAN
Should never be forgotten as he was one of the greatest men to ever wear the green and gold.
On and off the field a great example and I will never forget him and nor should anybody else.
DENIS YAAGER
Growing up in the game he and John Watkiss were my idols and he inspired me to play at the highest level.
He would be elated with the current progress of the game.
NODDY ALSTON
He was an icon in football and as I played with him for many years at St. George and in the national team, I knew this great man better than most.
