Tuesday, 20 December 2011 11:21 AM
The entire South Melbourne FC family wishes to extend its deepest condolences to the Bedford family on the passing of club legend and Hall of Fame and Team of the Century member John Bedford.
Mr. Bedford was an outstanding defender throughout his 14 seasons with South Melbourne FC. He was a member of South’s first ever championship team in 1960 that went undefeated in the Metropolitan League 1 North division which secured promotion into the State League Division One. During his playing career with the Club, Mr. Bedford played in the 1962, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1972 and 1974 State League championship sides. Bedford also represented Victoria on 28 occasions.
He was regarded as one of the greatest defenders ever to play for South, with his blistering pace and powerful left foot also seeing him push into the midfield on many occasions. He will also be regarded as one of the most clever players ever to pull a South shirt on, as well as a natural leader on the park who would never be defeated until the final whistle.
John Bedford is survived by his wife, Margaret, his two sons, Darren and Andrew and four sisters, Anita, Sue, Catherine and Julie. His funeral is in Wodonga on Thursday, 22 December.
South Melbourne FC President Leo Athanasakis, speaking to smfc.com.au, remarked that “the passing of Mr. Bedford represented the passing of a true Club legend. I wish to pass on my condolences on behalf of everyone at South Melbourne FC to the Bedford family. John played during the Club’s formative years that helped cement the Club as Victoria’s most successful football club.”
Photo
John Bedford of South Melbourne Hellas jumps above Eddie Sacco of George Cross: Photo: Uwe Kuessner, Victorian Soccer Federation Yearbook, 1968, front cover. The photograph was taken at Olympic Park on 12 May 1962 and appeared in Soccer Weekly on 17 May 1962 on page one. The crowd for that game was given as 12,000. Provided by Roy Hay.
smfcTV Interview
John Bedford returned to the club in 2010 to celebrate his beloved South Melbourne FC being named Oceania Club of the Century. As part of the night with the Team of the Century members, Mr Bedford spoke to smfcTV about his time with the club. Check out the video below