'Straight talking' Knox clamps down on dissent

Disciplinary troubles beset Brakes in January 1974.  ‘Two key AP Leamington defenders were suspended this week and manager Jimmy Knox immediately announced that he will fine any player who gets into disciplinary trouble.  “Injuries are a bad enough problem,” says Knox, “and I cannot afford to lose men for a couple of weeks at a time because of suspensions.  “I have made it clear to my players that in future anyone who gets himself into the book will have to answer to me.”

The two men currently serving a two match ban are reliable left back John Brady and close marking pivot Tony Bowden.  Both players received three cautions last season to earn the suspensions and £4 fine.  AP have had six players booked his term – five of the cautions resulting from dissent.   This has prompted Knox to clamp down.  “Players can sometimes be cautioned for foul play when forced into retaliation in the heat of the moment.   But they should be able to keep their mouths closed to officials.”

Knox is pleased to have Bill Thomas and Ernie Wilson on hand to replace Brady and Bowden.  Both played in Sunday’s disappointing [Senior Cup] 1-0 defeat at Darlaston and earned high praise from their manager.  In fact, Knox is delighted to have a powerful squad at the Windmill Ground – a vital factor as he pulls the strings to jet the Brakes back to respectability.

 The straight talking Scot has been with the club for less than 10 months but thinks that considerable progress has been made.  “The first couple of months were a nightmare.   But we are really buzzing at the moment and I think that everyone connected with the club has reason to feel some pride.   The spirit is fantastic.  I always thought that Rugby Town’s comradeship was tremendous – we are now at the same level at Leamington and the response of the players has been outstanding.”’

February started well with an away win at King’s Lynn.  ‘AP Leamington deserved to chalk up their fifth away victory of the season.    In the first half, AP goalkeeper Dave Jones had such good covering in front of him that only once during the game was he called to pull out his best.   That was just on half time, following a free kick from outside the penalty area.   The shot from Brooks, after Wignall had teed up the ball for him, had Jones leaping across his goal to pull off the best save of the match in turning the ball round the post.

 Both Leamington goals resulted from defensive lapses, and AP forwards deserved all the credit for making the best use of them.   Their first came in the 49^th minute when Lynn right back Richardson misjudged the bounce of the ball.  Norman Foster challenged, sidestepped the advancing goalkeeper just inside the penalty area ad fired into the goal.   Their second, in the 74^th minute, came when Procter intercepted a bad back pass.    The goalkeeper dived to block the sheet at Procter’s feet.   But Neil Armstrong was on hand to push the resultant loose ball into the empty net.    Lee of Leamington was booked for a foul.’