Peter Mellor

Peter Mellor (born 20 November 1947) is an English former professional footballer (soccer player) whose career spanned three decades. Born in Prestbury, Cheshire, Mellor won an England Youth cap whilst with his first club Witton Albion . Tall, fair haired and ever smiling Mellor was soon spotted by Burnley, and quickly became their regular keeper. The arrival of Alan Stevenson from Chesterfield in January 1971 saw him going in the opposite direction for a loan period at Saltergate, and from there a month later to Fulham. Mellor was to make over 200 appearances for the Cottagers in all competitions, including perhaps most memorably an appearance in the 1975 FA Cup Final, during which he was unfortunate enough to be deemed at fault for both West Ham’s two goals. In autumn 1977 he moved to Hereford, but the following close season moved to his final league club, Portsmouth. Mellor quickly became a hugely popular cult figure at Fratton Park, keeping the emerging young Alan Knight out of the team long after he was ready. Mellor ended his playing career in Canada, and now lives and coaches in the United States.