What connects Harry Storer and Iain Jamieson? Daughters at the Ricoh on New Year’s Day
Sarah (left), Anne (2nd right) and the rest of the Aldous family
We entertained some very special guests at the Ipswich Home game on Saturday 1st January 2011. Both former Player as well as former Club Director (and briefly chairman) Iain Jamieson and legendary City Manager Harry Storer were remembered by many members and supporters when Iain’s daughter Sarah (Aldous) and his former wife Anne (who is Harry’s daughter) were entertained by the Club and Association on New Years Day.
Ian as City Director 1982
After some time off the radar Iain was recently tracked down and signed up by the Association after a long search. He is currently living in a care-home in Scotland. His son and daughter both live abroad and Sarah, her husband and Iain’s four grandchildren flew in from Canada for a family visit to mum Ann and dad Iain and also to attend a game at the Club where he made such a big contribution. Unfortunately Iain was not well enough to travel down to the game.
Harry as City Manager in 1951
Iain met his wife-to-be Anne in Coventry (where she still lives). As the daughter of one of City’s most famous post-war managers Harry Storer her paths crossed with Iain after Harry had signed Iain from Aberdeen in 1948 for the Bantams (as the Sky Blues were then known). Harry, who managed the Bantams twice, is the longest serving Coventry Manager reigning first from 1931 until 1945 when he was responsible for taking the Club as Champions to Division Two from the old 3rd Division South in 1936. Many thought that, but for the World War II, he would have taken City all the way to the top. His second spell from 1948-1953 was less successful as City eventually lost their place in D2 in 1952 and Harry was replaced by Jack Fairbrother the following year. Harry was famous for his ascerbic wit and tough management style with his teams (including Derby County and Burnley) and as a player was capped twice for England at wing-half. He was also a capable County cricketer for Derbyshire. Harry was mourned by the world of football when he died in 1967.
Ian as a City player in 1957
As a player Iain was a committed and dependable attack minded wing half and inside forward who showed a lot of flair. He was a playing regular with City (making 184 appearances and scoring six goals) for almost ten years until he moved into player-management with Rugby Town in November 1958. Iain was also building a career outside football with Courtaulds in Coventry eventually rising to a top Executive role and was tempted to join the Sky Blue Board as a director in 1973. His leadership qualities came to the fore when he took over the Chairmanship of the club briefly in 1983-84 during one of the Sky Blues’ difficult times.
Sarah, Anne and their family including Sarah’s children Liz, George, Harry and Jack (who have seemingly inherited some of the sporting genes of their grandfather and great-grandfather) had a nostalgic time in the Legends Lounge the Ricoh meeting FPs like Lol Harvey (pictured below) who remembered Iain well and many an anecdote about Harry Storer’s unique man management techniques were swapped. It was even suggested Brian Clough modelled himself (in part) on the great man.
Ann (left) and Sarah with Lol Harvey in the Legends Lounge
The family were also taken on a tour of the Ricoh including the dressing rooms prior to the game, entertained to a meal at the ground, and were introduced to the crowd at half-time. Though the result against Ipswich could have been more favourable to the Sky Blues the Aldous family said they enjoyed both the game and the day. To recognise the visit Sarah’s husband and the 3 boys were each presented with Association ties (which have only just become available). They will shortly be visiting Iain and taking with them his own sky blue Association member’s tie with our best wishes.
It was a great privilege to honour both men if only through their close relatives and a great pleasure to both welcome Anne and the Aldous family and show them round the fantastic facilities of the latest home of the Sky Blues on the first day of 2011!! Both Anne and Sarah have been offered Honorary Associate Membership of the Association.
