The Brindley, Needham, Stubbs and Worthington back four holds many great memories for me, as does the rest of the teams they featured in. They were tough and uncompromising with probably one of the best central defensive pairings ever in the lower leagues.
Billy Brindley didn't take any prisoners and he was also the type of player you could identify with from the terraces. He was tenacious and determined. Dave Needham was a very classy centre back who read the game well. Great in the air and neat on the ground, a very difficult opponent for any striker physically strong and skilled.
Stubbsy...what can you say about him! Hard as nails, hugely dominant in the air and a killer sliding tackle that was just as liable to land his target into the boards as unload him of the ball, which he normally did. A real attacking threat too getting on the end of Masson corners and free kicks.
Bob Worthington was much maligned at times I felt and most definitely a target for the boo-boys. It must have affected his self-confidence and therefore his play at times. I guess some things never change. He was tall for a full back and also good in the air defensively. His worth needs to be considered in being an important part of a great defensive unit.
Those four were well-schooled by Jimmy Sirrel, they knew exactly what their jobs were. Clear the area and slip the ball to Masson if possible. They were the basis of a lot of Notts' success over the years.