Peter Springett – ‘A Chip off the Brotherly Block!’ 

The following article was written by Maurice Weedon and appeared in ‘Soccer Star’: 

‘I recall that about this time last year I wrote that the form of Peter Springett in Queen’s Park Rangers’ junior sides was such that he could one day rival his brother Ron, who has to date won over 30 caps as England’s keeper. 

Such progress has Peter made that almost every week we read in the national press that one leading club or another is interested in signing him. 

The Springett brothers were both born in Fulham, and their careers have run parallel. Neither won any schoolboy honours, and like Peter, Ron began with QPR. 

Peter joined the Loftus Road club as a ground staff boy, and six months later became an apprentice professional, turning full professional last May, when he became 17. 

He had several Football Combination outings last season, and two league appearances.  

His first was against Peterborough, and he did enough in a 0-0 draw to show that it would not be long before he was challenging for a regular place. 

When the present season began, Springett was in the team for the opening game, and has since held his place. 

What has impressed everybody who has seen him, is his sure handling, and his excellent positional play. The manner in which he takes the ball shows he has the confidence, which means so much for a young keeper. 

He never snatches at the ball, but takes it cleanly, and the way he moves into position to effect clearances, which look certain goals, marks him as a youngster who is going to get to the top. 

Springett told me that it was a great thrill when he was named as one of the goalkeepers in line for the England Youth team which will defend the “Junior World Cup” in Holland next Easter. 

When I asked him who had helped him in football, he said there were many to whom he owed much, but named two in particular; Rangers’ manager Alec Stock, and his brother. 

“I will always be grateful to Mr Stock for the encouragement he has given me, and for having the confidence in me to give me my chance in league football,” he added. 

Ron Springett, although he plays for Sheffield Wednesday, still trains with QPR, and Peter told me that he owes his brother a lot for the help he has given him since he became interested in football, especially goalkeeping.  

Peter told me that Ron never tires of helping his younger brother, “and I couldn’t have a better teacher,” he added. 

As well as being Peter’s living, football is his hobby, and he told me that he collects programmes. His bedroom wall is covered in pictures of football stars. 

He added that thanks to the programmes Ron has brought back with him from abroad, he has a fine collection. His famous brother has also given him many shirts and other kit from foreign clubs. 

Once again, the brothers are alike when it comes to sport, for both play cricket, table tennis and are fine swimmers. 

Whenever a player has a brother or father who has achieved international honours, the youngster starts under a handicap, for spectators invariably compare him with his relation. 

It says much for young Peter when the verdict is unanimous that he compares very favourably with the England keeper. Peter has been able to throw off the tag, as it were, of being: “Ron Springett’s brother, and is recognised in his own right as a most promising keeper. 

Peter told me that his greatest ambition is to win a full England cap.  

The careers of the Springett brothers followed a similar pattern, and it could well continue with Peter following Ron into the England side. 

If this does happen, it will be hard to decide who is the most pleased – Peter or Ron!’ 

Then in May 1967, a unique transfer deal involving £56,000 took place between Sheffield Wednesday and Queen’s Park Rangers, in which the brothers changed clubs. 

Steve Russell