What with the tragic passing of the great Ray Wilkins today, Pies thought we’d do the done thing and go trawling through the photo archives to collate a massive gallery of Butch in his inimitable prime.
There are many, many things to remember Wilkins fondly for, but for us it’ll always be the way he seemed to be a full-grown adult, even when he was a kid.
A 16-year-old Wilkins in action for England Schoolboys during a match against West Germany at Wembley 1972. England won 4-0
Wilkins smiles for the cameras before Chelsea’s game against Arsenal at Highbury, 1973
Wilkins whips his shirt off to show off his trophies, then swiftly puts it back on to take care of a few chores around the home, 1975
England teammates Wilkins and Dennis Tueart get better acquainted by holding hands during a training session, 1977
Wilkins goes flying in on Italian goalkeeper Dino Zoff during a match between England and Italy at Wembley, 1977
Wilkins leaves the field at the end of the World Cup Qualifying match between Luxembourg and England, 1977. England won 2-0.
Sammy Nelson feels the pressure from Wilkins during a league match between Arsenal and Chelsea, 1979
Wilkins attempts to lighten the mood the morning after England had lost 4-3 in a friendly against Austria, 1979
Manchester United’s new signing Wilkins is welcomed to Old Trafford by his new teammate Gordon McQueen, 1979
England chums Trevor Brooking and Wilkins enjoy a game of cards during the England team’s summer tour, 1979.
To their right are Peter Barnes and Phil Neal.
Wilkins gives Diego Maradona a run for his money during England’s 3-1 win over Argentina at Wembley, 1980
England quarter Phil Neal, Steve Coppell, Wilkins and Ray Clemence recuperate after a lively game of tennis at their hotel in Italy during the 1980 European Championships
Wilkins and Kenny Dalglish (among others) mix it up during the Milk Cup final between Manchester United and Liverpool, 1982
Tommy Caton, Wilkins, Tony Morley, Cyrille Regis, Kenny Sansom and Phil Thompson take in the San Mames before an England XI testimonial match against Athletic Bilbao 1982
Wilkins tries his hand in goal during an England World Cup training session only to be beaten in the air by Viv Anderson, 1982
Wilkins professes his innocence to Brazilian referee Arnaldo Coelho after nobbling German midfielder Paul Brietner at the 1982 World Cup.
Wilkins poses for an introductory photo with new Manchester United signing Peter Beardsley, 1982
Beardsley made just one appearance for United (in an infamous FA Cup defeat against Third Division Bournemouth) before being released.
Wilkins and his young son Ross celebrate winning the FA Cup with Manchester United, 1983
Milan pair Mark Hateley and Ray Wilkins celebrate after a particularly muddy win over Napoli at the San Paolo, 1984
Hateley and Wilkins again, this time enjoying an ice-cream together in Milan, 1984
Wilkins scampers after Karl-Heinz Rummenigge of Inter Milan, 1984
Wilkins has an in-depth natter with England manager Bobby Robson under a tree in Northern Ireland, 1985
England captain Wilkins shakes hands with his Scottish counterpart, Graeme Souness, ahead of the Rous Cup match at Wembley, 1986. England went on to win 2-1.
Wilkins celebrates with England teammates Bryan Robson and Gary Stevens after scoring in a pre-World Cup training match against Mexican youth side Cima, 1986
Bobby Robson invited 22 young lads from Monterrey along to play against his England side in what turned out to be a light-hearted 5-5 draw.
Wilkins is first on the scene after Bryan Robson suffers a dislocated shoulder while playing for England against Morocco at the 1986 World Cup.
British exports: Hughes, Lineker, Wilkins and Hateley seen before, during and after the 1986 Joan Gamper tournament held at the Nou Camp between Barcelona, PSV, Tottenham and Milan.
RIP Ray Wilkins, 1956-2018