THE late Patsy Houlihan, considered by many to be Britain’s greatest hustler, was as “crooked as a donkey’s hind leg”, according to Southampton’s greatest hustler.

Jimmy White, a six-time World Championship finalist, reckons fellow South Londoner Houlihan, who died in 2006, was the best player in the world at his peak.

However, Shirley Snooker Hall legend Frank Freemantle insists: “Patsy was a player you couldn’t trust.”

Houlihan arranged a best-of-five for £100 against Tommy Woods at the Ex-Servicemen’s club in Archers Road.

“I know he went in the tank,” said Freemantle. “Not only did he lose deliberately but he also done the other people that had a bet on him as well.

“That was on the Wednesday night, dog night, and on the Saturday night they’d arranged to play again. He cleaned Tommy Woods out.

“From then on Patsy was a no-no. He was as crooked as a donkey’s hind leg.”

However, Freemantle added grudgingly: “He was some player.”

Jack Barnes, son of one of the Shirley club owners, arranged for an Australian champion to play Houlihan in Southampton.

Freemantle said to Houlihan: “I’m thinking of having a bet.” Houlihan replied: “Don’t”.

Freemantle said: “He went into the tank then as well.”

One day at the tea bar in Shirley Snooker Hall, Houlihan asked Freemantle if he could join the points school: “This is my stamping ground,” replied Freemantle. “You’re not getting in.”

The pair did meet once in battle.

Freemantle, receiving an 18-point start, lost 5-4.