Romford’s Hall of Fame goes live today. Here are the six individuals whose names will have been familiar to London Road regulars over the stadium’s 91 years

 

Ernie Wiley
Ernie became a trainer on 1st December 1978 when he was 44, he went to Romford in 1985.
After 16 years, Ernie’s son took over the Trainer Licence on 1st March 2001.
He then became Assistant Trainer to which he still is to date.
He has been at Romford as a trainer and then assistant trainer for 34 years in total so far.

Peter O’Dowd

PETER O’DOWD

The long-serving former Racing Manager retired as Romford’s RM Dec 2018.
The former Preston, Westhoughton and Bolton Racing Manager made the switch the to Essex track in 1996.
His contribution to racing office stewardship goes way beyond an ability to grade six dogs of similar ability to safely race around a track. Peter’s reputation is built on his knowledge and professionalism, but most notably his management style.
Peter has always commanded respect from his trainers. He is approachable and open-minded, but nobody’s fool.

Linda Jones

LINDA JONES

Former champion trainer and leading trainer in the 1990s.
Linda initially raced at Yarmouth, Swaffham and Mildenhall stadiums before gaining a contract at Romford Stadium in 1994. In 1998 the kennel recorded 138 open race winners and finished 7th in the UK.
Due to ill health Linda retired in 2005, handing the kennels to Mark Wallis who is now a numerous champion trainer.

Kenny Linzell
Linzell’s Burton Lodge kennels were based in Wickford, Essex which are now run by former Head Lad Paul Young. Former greyhound trainer of the year in 1985. Linzell left Walthamstow in 1991 to join Romford Greyhound Stadium. Linzell then retired from sport in 1999.

KEN LINZELL

Terry Duggan

TERRY DUGGAN

Laurie’s Panther was trained by Terry Duggan. It is always the hallmark of a high class trainer to keep a greyhound in top form throughout the English Derby which, from the qualifying rounds, lasted for a month before the final and this is what Terry Duggan did with Laurie’s Panther being his first Derby finalist.
Duggan won the 1982 Derby at White City.

Archer Leggett
Archer Leggett first began holding races in a field behind his house in Collier Row in the 1920s . He founded Romford Stadium in 1929 when a site was found on London road, Romford. After two years, the landlord demanded more rent so Archer and his partner Michael Pohl moved down the road to a former rhubarb field where the present day stadium stands. In 1937 Leggett caused a sensation when he brought cheetahs to England to take part in the races.
Forty seven years after the stadium was born it was acquired by Coral Leisure Ltd. Archer Leggett retired as chairman and managing director on the takeover and become life president. Although he spent his life watching his stadium grow,, Archer confessed on his retirement that he’d never owned a dog or placed a bet.