Mick Channon

Hailing from England, Michael Roger Channon is an English former footballer who played as a striker, most notably for Southampton and went on to represent the English national football team in the 1970s. Born on 28th November 1948 in Wiltshire,, he later became a successful racehorse trainer.

Background

In 1966, at the age of mere 17 years old, Channon made his debut for Southampton and scored in a match against Bristol City. He had established himself as the club's main goalscorer within three years and was consistent in front of goal at a time when Southampton were one of the less fashionable teams in English football's First Division.

Channon left Southampton before the 1977-78 season, to join Manchester City in a £300,000 deal. In September 1979, Channon went back to Southampton as Channon struggled to settle in Manchester City. He joined Newcastle United in 1982 after playing 510 games for Southampton over two spells, scoring a total of 185 goals placing him top of the club's list of all-time goalscorers. He lasted barely a month at Newcastle before joining Bristol Rovers. Channon joined Portsmouth and Finn Harps before retiring from the game in 1986.

Debut

After his consistent impressive performances, Channon was awarded a national call-up to make his debut for England by Alf Ramsey in October 1972, where he played well enough in a 1–1 draw with Yugoslavia at Wembley to be selected for the squads for two subsequent qualifying matches for the 1974 FIFA World Cup, although he wasn't eventually in the team for either.

Mick was not selected for England thereafter and his international career came to an end with 46 appearances and a healthy 21 goals. England's failure to qualify for three major international tournaments during Channon's career leaves him as the most-capped player never to have been named to a World Cup or European Championships squad. He remains joint 16th in the all-time England scorers list.

Rise to Glory

1976 was a special year for Channon as he came into prominence and rose to glory after being selected in the England National team. His eye-catching performances for Southampton caught national selector’s attention and was rewarded an international cap.

Club Career

Channon stayed loyal to Southampton despite obvious concerns for his international chances and was rewarded in 1976 He spent most time of his club career with Southampton where he made 391 appearances and managed to score whooping 157 goals.

After an ill-fated move to Manchester City affected his form and Ron Greenwood chose to omit him from the starting line-up when England played the crucial World Cup qualifier in Luxembourg in October 1977.

Records

Channon was the part of Southampton squad when they won the FA Cup in 1976. He also helped Norwich City to lift the League Cup in 1985. In 2002, Norwich fans voted Channon into the Norwich City F.C. Hall of Fame.

Retirement

Mick Channon last appeared for England in the year 1977 after which he was not selected in the forthcoming matches.

His legendary club career came to an end in the year 1986 where he was last seen playing for Portsmouth. However, he was signed by Finn Harps for the following season but he did not play a single game for them.