Ray Treacy, the former Preston North End and Republic of Ireland international forward, sadly died on Friday night in Dublin following a short illness aged 68.
He had an excellent pedigree when Bobby Charlton signed him from Swindon Town in December 1973 for just £35,000.
In the remaining 21 games of that particular season, poor Ray could not buy a goal, no matter how hard he tried.
The former West Bromwich Albion and Charlton Athletic player made his North End debut away at Middlesbrough in a forward line that read; Lamb, Treacy, Bruce, Burns and Young.
Ironically, North End were relegated that season along with Ray’s former Club Swindon Town.
The following season Ray picked up injuries, and, along with loss of confidence, he never scored in his ten appearances.
North End kept faith with the Irishman and he turned things around during the 1975/76 season, playing regularly with the likes of Mike Elwiss, Alex Bruce and Tony Morley.
His touch returned and he bagged 13 goals for the team, scoring seven goals in the opening eight games.
However, he didn’t seem to fit in with the new manager’s plans; the new manager being Harry Catterick after Bobby Charlton had resigned.
He left on a free transfer in the summer of 1976 to re-join West Brom where he had served his apprenticeship.
Ray was a busy, cheerful player, who, despite his lack of inches (5’ 9”), gave as good as he got with visiting defenders.
From West Brom he moved back to Dublin where he re-found his goal touch with Shamrock Rovers and it was with Shamrock that he ended his ties with football, becoming their manager.
He ran a very successful travel agency in Dublin and was involved with the Republic of Ireland team on their European travels.
His death was a shock to the football world and the condolences of the Club and the PNEFPA go out to his family and friends.
Ian Rigby
In the remaining 21 games of that particular season, poor Ray could not buy a goal, no matter how hard he tried.
The former West Bromwich Albion and Charlton Athletic player made his North End debut away at Middlesbrough in a forward line that read; Lamb, Treacy, Bruce, Burns and Young.
Ironically, North End were relegated that season along with Ray’s former Club Swindon Town.
The following season Ray picked up injuries, and, along with loss of confidence, he never scored in his ten appearances.
North End kept faith with the Irishman and he turned things around during the 1975/76 season, playing regularly with the likes of Mike Elwiss, Alex Bruce and Tony Morley.
His touch returned and he bagged 13 goals for the team, scoring seven goals in the opening eight games.
However, he didn’t seem to fit in with the new manager’s plans; the new manager being Harry Catterick after Bobby Charlton had resigned.
He left on a free transfer in the summer of 1976 to re-join West Brom where he had served his apprenticeship.
Ray was a busy, cheerful player, who, despite his lack of inches (5’ 9”), gave as good as he got with visiting defenders.
From West Brom he moved back to Dublin where he re-found his goal touch with Shamrock Rovers and it was with Shamrock that he ended his ties with football, becoming their manager.
He ran a very successful travel agency in Dublin and was involved with the Republic of Ireland team on their European travels.
His death was a shock to the football world and the condolences of the Club and the PNEFPA go out to his family and friends.
Ian Rigby