‘Cat’ creates corking commentary

Chris Cattlin, Sky Blues star from 1967-76, was the Association’s  special guest at the Ricoh for yesterday’s (24/11/2012) 1-1 home draw with Portsmouth.  The Sky Blues provided a much more progressive footballing display than for many previous home games and dominated large parts of the game making a multitude of chances. However, apart from a first half Gary McSheffrey strike they were unable to turn their domination into goals and, at the death, were caught by an extra-time sucker punch from Pompey.

Never one to be tongue-tied, this Lancastrian ‘Cat’ provided plenty of incisive and entertaining analysis for his various audiences (in the corporate lounges at the Ricoh, on the pitch at half-time, providing match commentaryon BBC CWR during the game and on the stage at Lady G’s after the game).  He is pictured above in his commentary ‘cans’ talking about the game to the radio audience. He confirmed that he had a great time in a full day as CCFPA’s guest and looks forward to returning later this season.

CCFPA’s media relations officer Frank Pritchard reports,

 “It was a privilege and a great pleasure to once again welcome Sky Blue Legend and true gentleman Chris Cattlin (and his wife Maureen) back to the Ricoh once again. He travelled up to the Midlands yesterday and stayed overnight in Leamington where they used to live.  Although he now lives in Brighton (whose Club he both played for and managed), his ‘spititual home’ most definitely resides with the Sky Blues!  He was interviewed for BBC CWR by Stuart Linnell MBE just after 2pm, briefly previewing the game and reminiscing about some of the glorious times from the late 60’s & early 70’s with the Club, and in particular his affection for our old ground, Highfield Road.

Clive, Chris and Stuart on air

‘Spider’ (as many nicknamed him) is pictured above providing matchday analysis in the press box for BBC’s Clive Eakin and Stuart Linnell .  He said he was very impressed with the overall improvement in the team since his last visit to the Ricoh back in September when we were beaten by Carlisle, although obviously very disappointed by the undeserved outcome of the game.

Following the final whistle he engaged and commiserated with some of the Sky Blues frustrated supporters who joined the ‘phone-in’ on CWR before mesmerising the audience under the lights of Lady G’s in the G-Casino when interviewed on stage by CCFPA Vice Chairman (and resident comedian) Billy Bell.  Many of Chris’s stories were fascinating, particularly those involving his former room-mate, George Curtis!   It definitely pays to get down to ‘Lady G’s’ post match after every home game to hear the incredible stories of the Association’s special guests – memories about previous players and managers that are both special and quite often unique.

Many, many thanks to Chris for the wonderful entertainment and insight into just some of the great memories of those halcyon days he provided on Saturday. We trust it will not be too long before the ‘Cat’  and his ‘good lady’ Mo return as our guest to the Club which has a special place in his heart”.