Phil Dwyer - Football Career

Football Career

Dwyer, affectionally known as "Joe" by Cardiff City fans, joined his home town team as an apprentice in 1969, appearing in the 1971 FA Youth Cup Final defeat to Arsenal. He made his professional debut in a 0–0 draw with Leyton Orient on 7 October 1972, playing as a right-back. On 8 November 1975 Dwyer, who would go on to break the clubs appearance record, came close to never playing for the club again. While playing in a league match against Gillingham, he collided with an opposition player and received a blow from the players knee to the back of his head and was knocked unconscious. The impact had forced Dwyer to swallow his tongue and he stopped breathing before Cardiff physio Ron Durham managed to clear his airway, and save his life, by using the corner flag pole. He was taken to hospital by an ambulance that had driven onto the Priestfield pitch. However, Dwyer was back playing for the Bluebirds just seven days later against Colchester United. His final appearance for the club came on 17 March 1985 in a 4-1 defeat against Notts County. Besides his time at Cardiff, Dwyer had a brief loan spell at Rochdale, scoring once in his 15 League games.