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David Bevis’ Memories

David made 30 appearances in goal for Margate during the 1968/69 season and had previously played in the First Division for Ipswich Town…

David Bevis Team photo

What is your full name and date and place of birth ?
David Roger Bevis, 27th June 1942, Southampton.

What is your marital Status?
Divorced for 31 years but getting married on Monday 14th April 2014 to Patricia, my partner for 25 years.

Do you have children ?
One son and one daughter.

Did / do any of your family play football ?
Son played and grandson currently playing.

Where do you live now ?
Small village called Barham, five miles from Ipswich.

What is your occupation now ?
Retired but work as part-time delivery driver.

What was your occupation during your time with Margate ?
Delivery driver.

How did you come to join Margate ?
Cambridge City informed me that Margate were interested in me signing for them.

What do you remember about your Margate debut ?
My first appearance for the club was on tour in Germany. First home game was Weymouth – a 2-2 draw. Last game for the club was Wellington away – won 1-0.

What were the highlights of your football career ?
Playing at the highest level in League Football – the old First Division in those days. Playing at Tottenham with a crowd attendance of over 45,000.

Who was the best player you played with at Margate ?
Bob Harrop.

Who was the best player you played against whilst with Margate ?
John Charles.

Who was the best player you played with during your whole career ?
Ray Crawford at Ipswich.

Who was the best player you played against during your whole career ?
Alan Ball, Bobby Moore, Jimmy Greaves, Terry Venables and Peter Bonetti.

Who was / were your best friend(s) during your time with Margate ?
None as I was living in Ipswich.

Do you still keep in contact with any of your old Margate team-mates ?
No.

What were the best stadiums you played in during your entire career ?
Arsenal (Highbury), Tottenham (White Hart Lane), Chelsea (Stamford Bridge) and West Ham (Boleyn Ground).

What ground(s) did you most enjoy playing at during your time at Margate ?
Chelmsford and Hereford.

And which ground(s) did you least like ?
None.

Who were the best managers you played under (and at which clubs) ?
1) Alf Ramsey, 2) Jackie Milburn and 3) Bill McGarry – all with Ipswich.

Who was the biggest influence on your football career ?
No-one in particular.

Do you keep an eye on Margate’s progress / results and if so what do you think ?
Always looked at Margate’s results (over 43 years), let’s hope it will not be too long before they are back to the top level of non-league football once again.

Did you have a nickname during your career / time at Margate ?
No.

What honours did you win during your career ?
None.

Do you ever watch Margate now or, if not, when was the last time you saw them ?
Saw the game at Leiston on 25 February 2014.

Do you have any regrets about your football career ?
Asking for a transfer from Ipswich Town after seven years service with them.