Taken from the Brighton v Stoke programme from February 1983, here is Tony Norman’s portrayal of the life and times of Albion’s young right-back:
The first time I met Chris Ramsey, he was a quiet, shy apprentice at Bristol City. Since then, City have fallen on hard times, but Chris has realised the ambition he talked quietly about at that first meeting.
‘Like any other young apprentice, my dream was to play in the First Division,’ he says. ‘I must admit that even after coming to Brighton, I had times when I wondered if I’d make it. But now I’ve got my chance and I’m keen to make the most of it.’
Regular fans at the Goldstone will have enjoyed seeing the progress Chris has made this season. His confidence has grown. He looks to have all the makings of a top class full-back. He has pace and agility, but can tackle like a demon too. Beneath that shy smile there is a sharp competitor.
Not that Chris is often shy at the Goldstone. When he does look serious, a joke from friends like Steve Foster, Michael Robinson or Andy Ritchie will soon bring a huge grin to his face. Chris is a popular member of the first team squad.
‘I think the Albion is a happy club,’ he says. ‘I like Brighton, but I still live at home with my family in Islington, London. There are five girls and two boys in all. At the moment, five of us are still living at home with mum.’ Needless to say, there’s never a dull moment!
‘I’m always joking around at home with my younger brother, Kevin.
He’s my best mate too. We spend a lot of our free time listening to music. I like Motown and reggae. We get records on import. I could tell you the names of reggae bands, but to be honest, I don’t think you would know any of them!’ Has Chris ever thought of joining a group himself?
‘Well, I did have a go at learning the drums once,’ he grins, ‘but I didn’t get very far. I think I’m better at listening than playing!’
One of his other interests is watching movies from the Golden Age of Hollywood.
‘I like the old musicals with stars like Gene Kelly, Fred Astair and Ginger Rogers, but my favourite actor is James Cagney. He made some great films.’ Chris is one of many talented black players making their name in the game. Does he think racial prejudice still exists in football?
‘Yes, it’s still there. You get stick from away fans. But the way I look at it, if they weren’t shouting about that, they’d find something else. Like, you’re too fat or too thin. They’ll always find something, so it doesn’t really bother me.’
Chris Ramsey has had his share of hard times, but like any good Hollywood movie, his story looks like having a very happy ending… here at the Goldstone.
Ramsey had a chequered history in front of the TV cameras that season. He was sent off against Spurs in April for some very reckless tackling:
Then, while feeling down about being suspended for the FA Cup Semi-Final, he had his pockets picked by Everton’s Kevin Sheedy for the Toffees’ first goal a week later:
Finally, in the second-half of the FA Cup Final against Manchester United, Norman Whiteside’s horrific tackle put Chris out of the game and the replay:
The Goldstone Wrap 