Members News: Former Sky Blue Goalie Bryan King Is 72 Today -Congrats!

Bryan King in Sky Blue green

CCFPA wishes ‘Happy Birthday’ to its member, former Sky Blue goalie from 1975-77, Bryan King. Bryan was born in Bishop’s Stortford on 18th April 1947 so is celebrating his 72nd Birthday today!

A Gordon Milne signing from Millwall for the Sky Blues in August 1975 Brian had started out with Chelmsford Town before moving to the Den for £4500 in July 1967. With the Lions he developed a reputation as probably the best shot-stopper outside the top division over seven years with the club and was recognised internationally being selected as a (non playing) sub for England versus Portugal in 1974. In five of those Millwall years he missed only one game and by the time he left for Highfield Road had clocked up 340 appearances for the Londoners.

Now a fellow CCFPA member, Gordon paid a big £57k for the goalkeeper who seemed a natural successor to Sky Blue legend Bill Glazier (though City had fellow member Neil Ramsbottom between the sticks for much of the previous season).  However, things did not go as well as expected for all concerned. Making his debut in a 4-1 away win at Everton’s Goodison Park Bryan began his Sky Blue career brightly but eventually his form developed inconsistencies and he picked up injuries. In his final game for City, a thumping 5-0 F.A.Cup defeat at St James’ Park Newcastle, in January 1976 Bryan picked up a groin injury after 27 games for the Sky Blues.

He attempted a come-back early the following season in a friendly but sadly his knee gave way so he was forced to hang up his boots without playing a nother game for the City and his contract was cancelled in April 1977. Bryan then went into management abroad with FK Jerb Grimstad and then Harstad IL (both in Norway) and for a time became a Football Commentator for Norwegian TV in 1995. From his Scandinavian base Bryan has done scouting for Aston Villa (1995), ‘Spurs (2002), Everton (2008), Villa (again-2017) and since Jan. 2019 has been Tournaments Coordinator for Sporting Events Ltd.

CCFC 1976-77 with Bryan in the middle row with Jim Blyth

Though we have not yet had the pleasure of entertaining Bryan as our guest at an Association event we know that he sometimes visits his first top level club from time to time. We would love to see him at the Ricoh! In the meantime have a great day today Bryan.