If you have ever wondered where Micky “Able” Stephens got his nickname, you need do no more than look at the man.
The Sutton United assistant manager, who made more than 500 appearances for the club, including the famous 1989 FA Cup win over Coventry City, was given the moniker by his team-mates – and it is one he says he truly deserves.
He said: “How did I get the nickname? You’re better asking Micky Joyce to answer that.
“It’s something to do with my poor dress sense. There was one occasion, I wore some boots with pirates’ leggings, a blue blazer with gold stripes on the shoulders and buttons – it was not my greatest of choices.
“The lads said I looked like Able Seaman Stephens, someone who looks like a sailor. I was Able Seaman Stephens reporting for duty, and it stuck.
“None of that era ever called me by my first name, and my dress sense has not improved much.”
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