Whitianga locals Vic and Barbara Mobley recently celebrated 60 years of very happy marriage.
The recent Neil Diamond tribute act at Mercury Bay Club brought back many happy memories for them and two of their three daughters, Vicky and Claire who came to the evening, in particular the song, ‘Red Red Wine’ – late nights spent with the family over a bottle of red wine. This led to the telling of their story.
Vic and Barb were both born in the UK and from the age of eight, Vic wanted to be a professional footballer. As a result of Vic’s football career, his current memory issues are the result of frontal brain damage caused by heading the then heavy leather footballs; often made heavier when soaked with rain.
At the age of 8 years, Vic’s Dad took him to see Charlton Athletic play and that was when Vic decided, he wanted to be a professional football player.
Vic was into sports much more than schoolwork. One day, when the Headmaster told him he could do much better, Vic replied, “I don’t need to, I’m going to be a professional footballer.” “Don’t be silly,” replied the headmaster. “No one from Oxford has been able to do that.”
Vic’s determination drove him on, playing for his school team, Oxford Boys and at 16 yrs old Vic played for the amateur Oxford City Men’s team. Spotted again for his talent at 17 yrs years of age, Vic signed for Sheffield Wednesday and his professional football dream began.
So that he had something to fall back on, Vic’s father insisted he finished his Carpentry Apprenticeship which he did in the off-season.
Vic’s chance came when due to a professional player, Peter Swan being injured, Vic was asked to play in his place, which was Vic’s favoured position. The game was a draw but the headlines in the press the next day changed Vic’s life. Swan never returned to play accused of match fixing. That bombshell left Vic in the team to play against the best team in the country – Tottenham Hotspur*. Sheffield Wednesday beat them and left the field to a standing ovation. Vis’s reward was that favourite centre half position.
More press, photographers and autographs followed. In 1964, after 16 games in the first team. Vic was selected to Captain the England Under 23’s side, doing so for three years. He was selected to play for the full England team that same year but had to withdraw through injury.
Something else life changing happened in 1964. Vic met Barbara a cousin of his Sheffield Wednesday teammate, Peter Eustace. Vic knew he had met the girl he was going to marry and was not put off by the fact Barb had a boyfriend. Breaking training rules, he planned to bump into Barb at the local Thursday dances. One night he was lucky enough to sit in her seat.
They chatted all night and it led to seeing her every day. Vic and Barb married five months later.
Wembley – Almost
In 1966 Sheffield Wednesday got to the FA Cup Final, winning against Chelsea the favorites. Vic was injured in the semifinal but stayed on and played as substitutions didn’t happen back then. Badly injured Vic could not play in the final at Wembley, but they allowed him to walk out on the hallowed turf of Wembley on Cup Final day, recognized by the crowds.
In 1966 Vic was scheduled to play for England in the World Cup, but sadly dogged by injuries, he could not recover in time and had to be replaced. Vic continued to captain the Under 23’s playing for 2 years more but struggling with his knee injury. He decided to join the coaching staff. Vic also went back to his carpentry and working in a car factory to help pay the mortgage and feed his family.
Vic looked for coaching jobs overseas. Auckland offered Vic a 2-year part-time contract which he accepted, but he needed full time work and found that at Lion Breweries which he loved. The Mobley’s sold up in the UK and moved permanently with Barb’s parents to NZ.
The Lion Red years working with Waka Nathan, the famous All Black, meant Vic and Waka were responsible for visiting Sports Clubs across NZ. As well as encouraging teams, Vic used his carpentry experience to advise on improvements to Sports Bars and Sports Social Clubs. After seven years of success, Vic looked for new challenges and developed a successful career with Guardian Assurance with Barb by his side as Secretary/P.A.
When Vic retired, they designed and built a home in Matarangi; enjoying life there for 15 years.
Their three daughters Julie, Vicki and Claire have brought them 5 grandsons, 2 granddaughters, and 2 great-grandsons. The 15-year-old twin grandsons, Oli and Charlie, have inherited Vic’s ambition aspiring to be All Blacks.
Vics early signs of some brain damage in his 40’s seemed to be getting worse, so to be closer to medical support, Vic and Barb have moved to Marlin Waters, Whitianga and it is where they recently celebrated 60 years of marriage.
Vic loves to talk about his Football days remembering them very clearly, particularly tales of Georgie Best and the Charlton brothers, his fellow players. Barb has become an expert in caring for Vic and in helping slow Vic’s decline and enrich his life.
The story closes as a heartfelt tribute to enduring love, family, community, and a remarkable life journey from Wembley Stadium to Whitianga.
Michelle Rhodes is a neighbour and friend of the Mobleys.
*Tottenham Hotspur and Auckland FC to headline 2026 New Zealand International Football Festival in Auckland, Sunday 26 July at Eden Park. Tottenham Hotspur are a truly massive global presence, including one of the largest digital fanbases in world football, with a combined following of approximately 68 million fans.
