Matchday Memories: On This Day 1997 – CCFC Crash In Coca Cola Cup & Complain About Linighan (& Laser)

Gordon Strachan -City’s ‘gaffer’

Thanks to CCFC author and fan Steve Phelps* for reminding us that on this day (16th September) in 1997 the Sky Blues were beaten in the first leg of the Second Round of the Coca Cola Cup at Blackpool FC under somewhat controversial circumstances. (Now CCFPA member) Gordon Strachan took his team to meet the Tangerines in the two legged tie in mid week fresh from a 1-0 victory against Southampton (managed by former Sky Blue -and now CCFPA member- Dave Jones) in a Premier League fixture at Highfield Road.

Martin Johansen in the Sky Blue

There were only 5,884 in the ground at Bloomfield Road perhaps because it was a night of driving rain and wind along Blackpool’s Golden Mile, Steve tells us:-

‘ferocious rains drenched City supporters standing on the open Kop area and pedantic stewarding prevented them from joining the rest of the City faithful sheltering in the stand’! 

The Sky Blues had enforced changes as both key forwards Dion Dublin and Darren Huckerby (both now CCFPA members) were injured. Chances were few and far between and little real football played. The deputies for ‘the Dube’ and ‘Hucks’ were Bermudan Kyle Lightbourne (now a CCFPA member) and Dane Martin Johansen but they largely failed to trouble the Tangerine’s defence. The only goal of the game came from the head of Blackpool’s David Linighan after 76 minutes.

Kyle in the Sky Blue

The controversy came from post-match claims from Kyle that when he ran clear on goal in the first half hoping for an opener he was dangerously distracted by a laser pen shone into his eyes by (presumably a home team supporter) intent on putting him off! The local police said they were aware such dangerous laser pens were being used, but it was hard to pin down culprits. There was no action at the time, so the seasiders took a narrow lead into the second leg.

Order was restored on the first day of October at Highfield Road when, in the second leg, the Sky Blues beat the Tangerines 3-1 to win the tie 3-2 on aggregate and proceed to the next round. The Sky Blues scorers were Gary McAllister (with a penalty brace) and a late goal from DD.

For the record the Sky Blues’ team that day comprised (CCFPA members underlined):-

Gary Mac in Sky Blue action

Steve Ogrizovic, Roland Nilsson, David Burrows, Trond Egil Soltvedt (sub. Marcus Hall -78), Paul D.Williams, Richard Shaw, Paul Telfer (sub. Gary Breen -88), Gary McAllister, Kyle Lightbourne, Martin Johansen and John Salako. 

Unused sub: Magnus Hedman (gk)

Nigel Worthington‘s Tangerines lined up as follows:-

Steve Banks, Marvin Bryan, Darren Bradshaw, Phil Clarkson, David Linighan, Jason Lydiate, Mark Bonner, Micky Mellon, Tony Ellis, Andy Preece (sub. Chris Malkin -88) and Lee Philpott  Unused sub: Clarke Carlisle and Phil Clarkson   Referee:- Terry Heilbron (Newton Aycliffe)

The Sky Blues drew Everton at home in Round Three of the League (Coca Cola) Cup and slaughtered them 4-1 in mid October. However they narrowly went out to the Gunners at Highbury in Round Four the following month by the only goal of the game.

CCFC 1997-98

Gordon’s Sky Blues got themselves up to a respectable eleventh place finish in the Premier League in 1997-98. The three relegated teams were Bolton Wanderers (forty points), Barnsley (35) and Crystal Palace (33) and the Arsenal were Champions a point clear of runners up Manchester United!

* Steve Phelps book ‘Coventry City-On This Day’ Pitch Publishing 2010

Thanks to CCFPA’s Mike Young for sourcing the images.

Matchday Memories: On This Day 1989 – Sky Blues Top Hatters Without Oggy!

Sky Blue Oggy

Sky Blue debutant Keith Waugh

On this day (16th September) in 1989 The Sky Blues, under former player turned ‘gaffer’ (and CCFPA member) the late John Sillett, were doing quite nicely in Division One having won three and lost two of their league games so far. With a 100% record so far at Highfield Road they were looking forward to making it a home win treble today against Luton Town.  

However, they needed to improve on their last league performance, a 4-1 thrashing at Millwall to stay in the top four. The Sky Blues legendary ‘keeper (and now CCFPA member) Steve Ogrizovic had got a bad injury to his shoulder in that game and outfield player David Speedie had had to deputise for the whole of the second half.

Sky Blue Speedie

Dougie in the Sky Blue

Today, however, the Sky Blues had a new shot-stopper on display making his debut, Keith Waugh. Keith took his place knowing he was replacing a man who had previously made 241 consecutive Sky Blue appearances since joining us five years previously – big shoes to fill! Another Sky Blue (full) debutant was Scottish winger Dougie McGuire (now an Association member) who was back after a year on the sidelines injured.

Keith and the whole Sky Blues team rose to the challenge and the Hatters were topped by the only goal of the game scored after seventeen minutes by Gary Bannister!  In truth, City fans in the 11,207 crowd were glad to get the win in a poor game especially after the Sky Blues got a let-off in the second half. This was when, in the 66th minute, Trevor Peake (now a CCFPA member) fouled future Sky Blue Roy Wegerle in the box for a penalty. Fortunately Luton’s Danny Wilson contrived to miss from the spot so Keith did not need to make a save!

City’s scorer Gary Bannister

The late John Sillett‘s Sky Blues that day comprised (CCFPA members underlined):-

John Sillett- Sky Blue ‘gaffer’

Keith Waugh, Brian Borrows, Tony Dobson, Dean Emerson, Brian Kilcline, Trevor Peake, Micky Gynn, David Speedie, the late Cyrille Regis (sub. Steve Livingstone -61), Gary Bannister and Dougie McGuire (sub. Kevin MacDonald -1),

Ray Harford‘s Hatters put out the following XI:-

Alec Chamberlain, Tim Breacker, John Dreyer, Danny Wilson, Darron McDonough (sub. Richard Harvey -63), Dave Beaumont, Mick Kennedy (sub. Richard Cooke -2), Roy Wegerle, Lars Elstrup, David Preece and Kingsley Black                             Referee: J.Ashworth

There were plenty of Sky Blue connections with the players on Luton Town‘s books at this time apart from Roy Wegerle. Former Sky Blue ‘keeper Les Sealey was there as was (briefly) forward Mick Harford (1993-94). Also there was City’s 1987 F.A.Cup finalist (and CCFPA member) Graham Rodger as well as future Sky Blue ‘gaffer’ Iain Dowie and (now CCFPA member) Paul Telfer.

CCFC 1989-90

Iain Dowie as Sky Blue ‘gaffer’

The Hatters got some recompense in early March when, under a different manager, Jimmy Ryan they beat the Sky Blues by the odd goal in five at Kenilworth Road with an 88th minute winner from Iain Dowie.   Snoz’s men finished in a creditable twelfth place that season immediately above both Manchester clubs whilst Luton Town just escaped the drop in seventeeth place.

Millwall finished the 1989-90 season last by a mile in twentieth place a full seventeen points short of safety! Also down in the dumps were Sheffield Wednesday and Charlton Athletic whilst, at the top, Liverpool walked alone with the title nine points clear of Aston Villa.

Thanks to CCFPA’s Mike Young (& Dean Nelson) for sourcing the images.

Matchday Memories: On This Day 1970 – City’s Euro Adventure Begins in Bulgaria (& 2010 Reunion Remembered)

 

John in the Sky Blue

Neil in the Sky Blue 1970

The Sky Blues sixth place finish in 1969-70 gave them the chance of an inaugural fixture in their first ever European campaign this season. They had drawn Bulgarian side Trakia Plovdiv (now Botev Plovdiv) in the first round of the UEFA (European Fairs) Cup over two legs.

On this day (16th September) now over half a century ago, in 1970, the first leg saw the Sky Blues travel to Plovdiv and 15,000 fans (including about fifty from Coventry) saw the Sky Blues prevail 4-1 with our inside forward (the late) John O’Rourke getting a hat-trick (on 39, 69 & 89 minutes) and centre-forward Neil Martin the other goal, two minutes before the break. Both forwards later became CCFPA members. Trakia’s Petar Radkov got the Bulgarians only goal with the Sky Blues 3-0 up after 75 minutes.

The two teams line up before the game

The Sky Blues greeted by young Bulgarians pitchside before kick-off

City had to survive considerable early pressure from the home side but nerves were settled after John O’Rourke took advantage of ‘Ernie’ Hunt‘s shot being only parried by the Trakia goalie, Mihail Karushkov. Neil then scored a stunning 25 yarder to send the visitors in at half time with a two goal cushion.

Trakia subbed their man between the sticks for Dragan Radenkov at the break. Nevertheless, the Sky Blues lead was extended by another O’Rourke goal exploiting a Ivan Gluhchev error. After Trakia got their goal, the slight hope of a revival was crushed by John’s third goal, a tap-in.

Fans celebrate City’ European adventure

The return leg was played at Highfield Road in front of 20,930 at the end of the month and the Sky Blues repeated their victory, this time by two clear goals both scored in the first half by CCFPA members Brian Joicey after half an hour and, his now fellow CCFPA member, Jeff Blockley five minutes later to produce a 6-1 aggregate.

The history books show the City went out on aggregate in the next round to the mighty Bayern Munich losing 4-1 in Germany but beating the Germans 2-1 in the return. Therefore the Sky Blues won both home ties in their, so far, only European adventure!

John O’Rourke thwarted this time by Karushkov

The teams in this historic game fifty years ago were as follows:-

CCFC’s Manager, Noel Cantwell

Noel Cantwell‘s Sky Blues  were:-

Bill Glazier, Mick Coop, Wilf Smith, Ernie Machin*, Jeff Blockley, Geoff Strong*, Ernie Hunt*, Willie Carr, Neil Martin, John O’Rourke* and Dave Clements

Sadly four of this historic Sky Blues team (asterisked*) have since passed away, both Ernies, Geoff and scorer John. We are pleased to say all members of this team later went on to join this Association.

Trakia Plovdiv (managed by Vasil Spasov) lined up:-

Mihail Karushkov (sub. Dragan Radenkov-46), Vangel Delev, Ivan Gluhchev, Vidin Apostolov, Ivan Zagduma, Hristofor Marinov, Georgi Popov, Dinko Dermenjiev (capt), Upinov, Bogomir Stanoev and Petar Radkov  Referee: F.Rion (Belgium)

The 1970 Players Team Photo 2010

Roy & Dinko exchange pennants 2010

Such international and inter-city friendships were forged between clubs and fans in these two games that forty years after these historic ties, now well over a decade ago in 2010, CCFC and CCFPA hosted a reunion of the 1970 Sky Blues at the Ricoh and were honoured to entertain visiting guests from Bulgaria. 

Ten players from the Sky Blues’ 1970 squad came.  Roy Barry; Jeff Blockley; Dietmar Bruck; Willie Carr; Chris Cattlin; Mick Coop; Ian Goodwin; Trevor Gould; Ernie Hannigan; and Billy Rafferty were entertained. Ernie Hannigan (since sadly passed away) flew in from his Australian home. Our warmest welcome was for our very special guest, Bulgarian International and ‘Player of the Century’  Dinko ‘Chiko’ Dermendjiev, the Trakia captain who was welcomed by CCFC captain of the time Roy Barry and then CCFC chairman Ray Ranson.

A great day of reminiscence was had by all and the reunion prompted a great friendly social media interchange between fans of both clubs. A full photo record of this reunion can be found by clicking the ‘Galleries’ tab above and selecting the third option in the drop down list provided.

Flowers are presented to the team pre match

The next time City qualified for Europe was in 1986-87 after winning the F.A.Cup final. Sadly the Heysal tragedy saw English clubs banned from the Cup Winners Cup so City have had to wait even longer for their next chance…… Thanks to CCFPA’s Mike Young (& Dean Nelson) for sourcing the images.

Matchday Memories: On This Day 1969 – Cantwell’s CCFC Force First Forest Top Flight Flop v City!

On this day (16th September) in 1969 under Noel Cantwell were well into their third season in the top flight and were facing a team, Nottingham Forest, that they were yet to beat in Division One. Beaten only twice in their first nine league games they fancied their chances and did enough to beat their East Midlands’ rivals on this day by the odd goal in five.

Neil in the Sky Blue

The club’s matchday magazine (right), self proclaimed ‘Britain’s No.1 since 1967′, pictured Sky Blues’ Scottish No.9 Neil Martin outjumping Liverpool‘s Ron Yeats in City’s 2-1 defeat at Anfield ten day’s previously.  The decent crowd at Highfield Road of 26,038 went home satisfied as their favourites took both points  with goals from Neil, Dave Clements (now Neil’s fellow CCFPA member) and eighteen year old Graham Paddon .

Dave Clements in Sky Blue action

The win was well deserved especially since the Sky Blues had to come back from behind. Forest’s Graham Collier struck first (his debut goal for the Garibaldi Reds) after 26 minutes. The Sky Blues were on equal terms at the break as, four minutes from half-time, Neil Martin flicked in a header from a cross by (now CCFPA committee member) Dietmar Bruck. Seven minutes into the second period City’s Irish international (another Association member now) Dave Clements produced a thunderous shot to give the Sky Blues the lead the day after his birthday!

Graham Paddon

It was the visitors who then found an equaliser, on 77 minutes, and wouldn’t you know it, it came from former Sky Blue favourite Ronnie Rees who fizzed one in against his old club. The Sky Blues were not to be denied, however, and a minute later came another debut goal set up for the Sky Blues Graham Paddon by City’s ‘Cheeky Chappie’ Ernie Hunt. The points and the victory were in the bag as City held out for a welcome win.

CCFC’s Manager, Noel Cantwell

Cantwell’s CCFC lined up against Forest like this :-

Bill Glazier, Mick Coop, Dave Clements, Dietmar Bruck, George Curtis*, Jeff Blockley, Ernie Hunt*, Ian Gibson*, Neil Martin, Maurice Setters* and Graham Paddon*

Sadly (*) five players have since passed away. We are pleased to say that every member of the team except Graham later became CCFPA members.

Ron in the Sky Blue 1964

Matt Gillies  put out the following Forest team:-

Alan Hill, Peter Hindley*, John Winfield, Bob Chapman, Terry Hennessey, Henry Newton, Ron Rees, David Hilley, Graham Collier (sub.Liam  O’Kane ), John Barnwell and Ian Storey-Moore     Referee:- B.Homewood

As well as Ronnie Rees (also now a CCFPA member) the Forest had future Sky Blue defender Peter Hindley (1973-76) in their side. Both have sadly since passed away, most recently Ronnie a few months ago.

 

This season, the Sky Blues well and truly laid the Forest bogey, contriving to do the double over them by, three matches from the end of the season in April, walloping them 4-1 in Nottingham thanks to a hat trick from (the late) John O’Rourke and a goal from Brian Joicey (both later CCFPA members).

The Sky Blues had a great season under Cantwell finishing, still in their highest ever position in the top flight, in sixth spot therefore qualifying them for their first ever place in European competition in 1970-71. They were still sixteen points shy of eventual Champions Everton but got only eight points less than runners up Leeds United.

CCFC 1969-70

 

Nottingham Forest finished fifteenth well clear of relegation worries. The pair that suffered the drop to Division Two were Sunderland and (a point beneath them) Sheffield Wednesday.

Thanks to CCFPA’s Mike Young (& Dean Nelson) for sourcing the images.