Rochdale FC

Tommy was, for a short period, chairman of Rochdale FC. Their official website describes it as follows: "The club was thrown into turmoil in the mid 80s when comedian Tommy Cannon, protrayed as the club's saviour initially, allegedly caused controversy and uproar in the town when the new look Board of Directors made a series of decisions deemed not in the best interests of the club. Cannon eventuall resigned in 1988 after an EGM was called by shareholders but behind him he left a whole host of debts."

Programme

From match against Scunthorpe United, Saturday 13th Dec 1986.

Unfortunately, as most of you are aware it has been necessary for Rochdale FC and Mr Vic Halom to part company. This has been due to the fact that after 2 1/2 seasons, the team under Mr Halom has achieved very little success. Myself and the board are hoping to appoint a new manager in the near future. At present the team is being managed by Brian Taylor, supported by John Bramhall the team captain. Hoping you will give them all your support. T Cannon

Brochure Article

From the 1987 Spring Tour brochure:

Tommy's sporting ambitions were recently realised when he was elected Chairman of Rochdale Football Club. It seems only yesterday when as a nine year old boy, he stood on the terraces cheering on his local sides, Oldham Athletic and Rochdale. Like so many youngsters, he dreamt one day of playing professionally for them. Eventually the pull of showbusiness became too strong and he put away his football boots and baggy shorts, to pursue his career with Bobby. However, he never lost his love for the game and throughout the years has keenly followed Rochdale's fortunes. Now Chairman of the club he loves, he takes the challenge very seriously. His ambitions are not only to win promotion, but to see them play on the lush green turf at Wembley.

While constant touring, pantomimes and summer seasons, prevent Tommy from seeing as many games as he would like, on Saturdays off he takes his two eldest grandsons to help him cheer on the team from the stand. When not watching football, he often turns out for charity football matches and golf tournaments.

One of Tommy's other interests is Karate and he has recently been awarded his orange belt. He is also a keen keep fit fanatic and has a fully equipped Nissan International gymnasium in his home. "I love all kinds of sports. Although I don't claim to be a world-beater at any of them, I find the participation wonderfully relaxing and rewarding, but I get really mad when Bobby beats me at Tiddlewinks!"