Brought up at Silverdale, Stoke-on-Trent.

Attended Edward Orme Secondary School, Newcastle-Under-Lyme

Played for Staffordshire County Boys.

Spotted by Stoke City at 15, when he signed schoolboy forms and subsequently got an apprentice contract.

League debut for Stoke City away at Leicester City in April 1974.

Made England Under-23 debut v Wales at Wrexham in 1975.  Played again v Czechoslovakia.

If he hadn't become a footballer, he would have trained to be a RAF Physical Education instructor.

Ian was a useful club cricketer.  He also enjoyed watching the horses at the races.

Liked listening to Led Zeppelin, Bad Company and Status Quo.

Enjoyed watching Morecombe and Wise on TV.

Watched Jimmy Greaves and Martin Chivers when younger who were his goal-scoring role models. 

Died on 13th January 1998 after a battle against cancer.