tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40928459980390652722024-03-24T03:28:24.885-07:00Brakes ReportsWyn Granthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17473299774041779419noreply@blogger.comBlogger318125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4092845998039065272.post-56359698365479736372024-03-24T03:27:00.000-07:002024-03-24T03:27:26.494-07:00Holleran Milestone Fuels Fire for More<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi91-lYI_pM7olA9C_rGbnwmsD2cAfw0TSvXG-_LcgXpxefpxYa5NAB0yhyphenhyphenvCUSNBqxABPZn0fHkRg9_dMxyFQC1y2s9GYuF2dVhzI9dHcyoF2EcgkdxqzB0UoQtvjKIUBvVYd027CIW6WkvMUBZ_xW1Tewt4fRwyvsla_vtB1OeApOLleNfzMjc6Itp-Id/s480/Holleran.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="480" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi91-lYI_pM7olA9C_rGbnwmsD2cAfw0TSvXG-_LcgXpxefpxYa5NAB0yhyphenhyphenvCUSNBqxABPZn0fHkRg9_dMxyFQC1y2s9GYuF2dVhzI9dHcyoF2EcgkdxqzB0UoQtvjKIUBvVYd027CIW6WkvMUBZ_xW1Tewt4fRwyvsla_vtB1OeApOLleNfzMjc6Itp-Id/s320/Holleran.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>Following his appearance on <i>Football Focus </i>there is a featured interview in <i>The Non-League Paper </i>with Paul Holleran this morning.</p><p>Here a few excerpts. 'Being honest, it is a tough job - I am getting older and the players are getting younger. I am 53. You do have moments when you think "Can I keep doing this?" but the players and the fans keep me driving on at the moment.'</p><p>'Even at this level you don't stop. Regardless of whether you are Jurgen Klopp or Paul Holleran, it is relentless, and I do 50 hours per week on top of that as well which I imagine is a bit different to Jurgen.'</p><p>'You keep ticking along and maybe become part of the furniture - it is a bit like with your wife, you begin to like them, they begin to like you. [Not sure what Mrs. H would say about that]. The fans have always been good with me, as the years have gone by, the bond has certainly grown.'</p><p>'It does cross your mind as to whether you can do it any more, there is no doubt about that. When we got relegated last season I felt I was the best person to stabilise the club and get it back on track. It has been a real challenge in a tough league this season, we have had to rebuild and I am looking forward to the last few games.'</p>Wyn Granthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17473299774041779419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4092845998039065272.post-41735115349423428662024-03-20T02:45:00.000-07:002024-03-20T02:45:13.613-07:00Brakes battle to win away point against Burton<p>AP Leamington faced table topping Burton Albion, now a
League One side, away in mid-March 1974 in a match in which the inactions of
the referee were a focus of attention for media commentators (note that the
report quoted is written from a Burton perspective). ‘Burton Albion dropped another away point in
their quest for the championship of the Southern League First Division North
when they were unable to break through a tough uncompromising AP Leamington on
defence.’</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">‘Phil Annable starts a week’s suspension today following his
dismissal from the field towards the end of a Southern League game at
Wellingborough earlier in the season, and after an amazing scene in the
Leamington penalty area just before the interval he, and the Brake’s Foster, could
count themselves very lucky not to be sent off again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The incident came after tempers frayed following several
niggling fouls from both sides.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Buckley
broke down the left and centred.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Former
Albion keeper Dave Jones, who gave an impressive display, failed to collect the
cross and both Naylor and Annable at the far post raced in to grab the loose
ball.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Annable just got to it, Naylor
left the race falling to the ground with a leg injury and Foster tangled with
Annable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The first blow came from the Leamington player but he came
out on the worst side of the deal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
recovered after treatment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Incredibly,
the referee took no action against Foster or Annable and started the game with
a free kick to Leamington. Naylor, who had taken a lot of stick from the
opposition, gamely soldiered on in search of the elusive goal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Fortunately, before and after this brief period, play had
been more constructive with Burton always in command and pushing forward
relentlessly against a Leamington side prepared to pull everyone back and to
give away a free kick if threatened, but Albion usually so creative from these
set piece situations could not capitalise on them.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Right on half time, Wilkinson blocked a goal bound header
from the diving Naylor after a hard low centre from Buckley.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Buckley continued to give the Leamington
defence a lot of trouble and in the 70<sup>th</sup> minute Lee was booked for a
foul on him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just before this, Buckley
slotted the ball to Brown, but the advancing Jones dived heavily at his feet to
collect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then from another Corrigan
centre the visiting keeper was deceived by the flight of the ball and Buckley
was able to get in a header but Bowden managed to hook it clear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Albion now had the crowd right behind them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A loudspeaker message had announced that
Stourbridge were trailing 3-1 at Tamworth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Albion battled on but in the packed Leamington area had all of their
efforts blocked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then at the other end
Leamington almost snatched both points when they were gifted a great chance by
a dreadful back pass.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Foster nipped in,
but Robinson dived to save.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Burton had
held a special training session in the morning before the game and this was the
first time they failed to score all season.’<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Burton remained four points clear at the top of the table with Brakes
twelve points behind in seventh place.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Leamington: Jones, Taylor, Brady, Bowden, Wilkinson,
Shrimpton, Armstrong, Lee, Talbot. Foster, Goodfellow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sub: Stewart.<o:p></o:p></p>Wyn Granthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17473299774041779419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4092845998039065272.post-34686700834391310522024-03-17T00:19:00.000-07:002024-03-17T00:19:12.991-07:00Cup success for Brakes<p>Southern League Cup action was at the forefront for AP
Leamington fifty years ago. Facing Waterlooville at home ‘Brakes won this
hard-fought Southern League Cup tie more easily than the score [1-0]
suggests. They were much the better side
and with more finishing luck could have quite eaxily reached the last four with
several goals in hand. </p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Waterlooville, leaders of the southern section, opened
strongly and for a time presented their hosts with considerable problems.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But Jimmy Goodfellow effectively killed their
resistance with his 30<sup>th</sup> minute with his headed goal and Brakes
gained almost total control.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
Hampshire side did come back during a furious late assault. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But the home defence
stood firm and Dave Avery’s header wide of the near post was the closest
Waterlooville came to forcing a replay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>With Steve Lee, Keith Shrimpton and Goodfellow gaining a hold in
midfield, AP spent most of the game going forward and they should have added to
their lead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Norman Foster saw a terrific
right foot shot cannon from the bar; Neal Armstrong headed across the face of
an open goal; and Lee was slow to react to a clear chance when the ball bounded
loose in the penalty area.’<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Brakes then went to Nuneaton Borough for the
semi-final.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>‘Delighted Jimmy Knox
summed up AP Leamington’s humbling of Nuneaton Borough yesterday “We wanted to
win – they expected to.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And that’s not
a bad assessment from the AP manager, who takes the club into the final of the
Southern League Cup for the first time in their history. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For AP ran, and
fought, and harassed their Premier Division opponents into total submission in
a colourless semi-final at Manor Park.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And after wearing down Borough with sheer determination, they struck a three
goal blast in the last seven minutes.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Goal No.1 came in
the 84<sup>th</sup> minute when Ivor Talbot was given the freedom of the pitch
to slam in a 35-yarder while Borough’s defence stood and watched.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Goal No.2 came five minutes later when Talbot
again did the damage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He robbed Kirk
Stephens on the halfway line, ran on to have his effort half-saved by
goalkeeper Keith Ball and Neil Armstrong tapped in a simple goal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Goal No.3 came a minute into injury time. And
what a shocker for Borough!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ray Bridgett
brought Armstrong down a few yards from the by-line over 20 yards out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And Steve Lee cheekily scored direct from
the kick!’<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">‘It was no less than AP deserved, for they gave Borough’s
tame attack little scope; snuffed out the midfield and looked sharper in attack.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My man of the match was Steve Lee, whose
promptings from the middle of the park proved too much for Borough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But AP also had in Ernie Wilkinson, Dennis
Taylor, Tony Bowden and John Brady four defenders who were in control of their
job.’<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Shell shocked Nuneaton supremo Geoff Coleman said ‘there
will be no drastic steps taken.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Coleman’s words will comfort his players who cannot be other than
shocked by their own performance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For
without taking anything away from A.P., who played exactly to manager Jimmy
Knox’s plan, Borough were tragically under par.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They showed none of the fight and tenacity
that took them through a run of nine games without defeat.’<o:p></o:p></p>Wyn Granthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17473299774041779419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4092845998039065272.post-18044722633070928052024-02-25T02:54:00.000-08:002024-02-25T02:54:42.914-08:00Brakes win in 1974, but coverage is grudging<p>In February 1974 ‘Weakened AP got the result they
desperately wanted agsinst Merthyr Tydfil – but it was a close call. An
uninspired first half saw AP Leamington spend most of the time pushing forward
against a packed Merthyr defence. The
home side were first to threaten when Lee and Talbot linked to put Stewart
clear. But the centre forward was only
able to direct his shot into the side netting. </p><p>Both teams were having difficulty in keeping a footing on the saturated
surface and mistakes were plentiful.
When Wilkinson got in a tangle he presented Merthyr winger Jerratt with
a shooting opportunity. Only four
minutes remained when Ivor Talbot and Trevor Hubbard combined to give Adrian
Stewart the ball 15 yards out and the centre forward turned quickly and beat
Dilwyn. Otherwise, the scrappy game
produced little in the way of finishing action. </p><p>Both defences put up determined barriers
and most of the play was contained in a crowded midfield. Merthyr had the game’s outstanding performer
in form Welsh international Barrie Jones.
His class stood out. But AP
boasted the greater work rate and Stewart’s goal was just about deserved on the
run of play.’</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">‘Tamworth slithered and slumped to defeat’ against AP
Leamington in the League Cup.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Presumably
fair minded local reporter Allan Bates referred to ‘this match in the mud at
Kettlebrook on Sunday when a poor AP Leamington side were just good enough to
progress to the next round of the Southern League Cup.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>[I have rarely read such a one sided and
grudging report].</p><p class="MsoNormal">Conditions mitigated
against good football, and neither side were able to master them, rarely able
to string together more than two consecutive passes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In Tamworth’s defence, it should be
appreciated that they had played on Saturday afternoon and that their four on
loan players were ineligible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The first
half was mainly controlled by Leamington, but despite their territorial
advantage, the scores were level at half time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal">In the second session, Tamworth came more into the game, but got caught
at the back when Leamington scored the winner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Leamington went ahead after only two minutes play.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The goal followed some untidy play around
the Tamworth penalty area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tamworth
failed to clear on the Leamington right and Armstrong crossed for Talbot to
beat Richards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their lead was short
lived and Tamworth equalised six minutes later.
It was mainly a defensive battle for
the home side from then on, with Leamington failing to turn their chances into
goals. Little effort was needed to keep
Leamington at bay. </p><p class="MsoNormal">Disaster struck the
home side after 71 minutes when Leamington went ahead again. Defensively a three against two situation
developed which allowed Lee to put in a shot that Richards could only
parry. Agonisingly the ball trickled
towards goal and would have passed wide but for Armstrong getting a boot to it
almost level with the post. The fight
continued with the home side still pushing forward, but a goal would not
come.’ AP Leamington: Jones, Taylor,
Brady, Bowden, Wilkinson, Shrimpton, Armstrong, Lee, Talbot, Foster,
Goodfellow. Sub: Hubbard. Attendance: 313.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>Wyn Granthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17473299774041779419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4092845998039065272.post-58071976514360323142024-02-24T23:48:00.000-08:002024-02-24T23:48:48.274-08:00Day of disappointment<p><i>Private Eye </i>sometimes features Neasden FC who play in the North Circular Relegation League in needle matches against Dollis Hill. Managed by Ron Knee, they are owned by a self-service laundry magnate. The supporters are Sid and Doris Bonkers.</p><p>Their Suffolk equivalent arrived at Your Co-op Community Stadium yesterday under the surnames of Lamb and Mutton, equipped with a leg of lamb to present to the referee and were in loud voice throughout the match.</p><p>Apparently the referee is an experienced official, but having denied us a penalty, he gave one of the softest I have seen to the visitors. Even the lino on the car park side more or less admitted that his decision-making was poor.</p><p>Hawkins made a great save from the penalty, but their admittedly excellent keeper saved ours in the second half.</p><p>This defeat brings to an effective end any hope of automatic promotion and reduces our chance of a play off place. You need to score goals to win matches.</p><p>What particularly irritated me was that I didn't think the Marketmen were actually that good for a table topping side. But in the second half they forced us back into the last third while our midfield once again went awol even after the arrival of the 'General'. Inevitably they scored, indeed we had seen it coming at half time.</p><p>Those in the car park stand were left with an exchange of views with charm merchant Ingram who missed the penalty.</p><p>I am all for our board being prudent, but over the summer they may need to take a risk.</p><p>Thanks for featuring me in the programme.</p>Wyn Granthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17473299774041779419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4092845998039065272.post-72138517411285585092024-02-10T23:44:00.000-08:002024-02-10T23:44:20.419-08:00'Straight talking' Knox clamps down on dissent<p>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.”</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The two men currently serving a two match ban are reliable
left back John Brady and close marking pivot Tony Bowden.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Both players received three cautions last
season to earn the suspensions and £4 fine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>AP have had six players booked his term – five of the cautions resulting
from dissent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This has prompted Knox to
clamp down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Players can sometimes be
cautioned for foul play when forced into retaliation in the heat of the
moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But they should be able to keep
their mouths closed to officials.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Knox is pleased to have Bill Thomas and Ernie Wilson on hand
to replace Brady and Bowden.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Both played
in Sunday’s disappointing [Senior Cup] 1-0 defeat at Darlaston and earned high
praise from their manager.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>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. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The straight talking
Scot has been with the club for less than 10 months but thinks that
considerable progress has been made.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“The first couple of months were a nightmare.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But we are really buzzing at the moment and
I think that everyone connected with the club has reason to feel some pride.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The spirit is fantastic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>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.”’<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">February started well with an away win at King’s Lynn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>‘AP Leamington deserved to chalk up their
fifth away victory of the season.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>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.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That was just on half time, following a free
kick from outside the penalty area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>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. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Both Leamington goals
resulted from defensive lapses, and AP forwards deserved all the credit for
making the best use of them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their
first came in the 49<sup>th</sup> minute when Lynn right back Richardson
misjudged the bounce of the ball.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Norman
Foster challenged, sidestepped the advancing goalkeeper just inside the penalty
area ad fired into the goal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their
second, in the 74<sup>th</sup> minute, came when Procter intercepted a bad back
pass.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The goalkeeper dived to block
the sheet at Procter’s feet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But Neil
Armstrong was on hand to push the resultant loose ball into the empty net.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lee of Leamington was booked for a foul.’<o:p></o:p></p>Wyn Granthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17473299774041779419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4092845998039065272.post-45767506989671345502024-01-27T22:54:00.000-08:002024-01-27T22:54:30.967-08:00Penalty save denies Brakes<p>AP Leamington faced what was thought to be ‘a difficult
game’ against sixth placed Bromsgrove Rovers in December 1973. ‘Jimmy Knox drafted in former Rugby Town
striker Adrian Stewart at centre forward having signed him from Nuneaton
Borough the night before the game. The
new player was quickly into action with a couple of neat passes and after 10
minutes he helped make a goal for Norman Foster. Bobby Horne put over a low cross and Stewart
challenged the goalkeeper to leave Foster with a simple tap in for his 19<sup>th</sup>
goal of the season. Talbot then put
Stewart through with a delightful ball and Hooper was forced to make a fine
diving save. </p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Rovers, who were playing in front of new manager Tom
Wainwright for the first time, showed neat touches but their attack lacked bite
and they offered little threat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most of
the play was centred around the Bromsgrove goal and with more aggression AP
could have stretched their lead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Talbot
was always quick to get in a shot, however, and Hooper was kept busy. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Foster rammed home his second goal within a minute of the
re-start, beating Hooper to Lee’s cross.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Soon afterwards he should have completed his hat-trick but made a hash
of meeting Stewart’s centre.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stewart
then got up well to head against a post, as AP continued to press forward.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bobby Horne was rewarded for an unselfish
game with the final goal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bromsgrove
were a bitter disappointment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
wonder of it was that Brakes only managed three goals, but it was a comfortable
stroll for stylish AP Leamington who now have their sights on promotion from
Division 1 North.’<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">AP Leamington boss Jimmy Knox took ‘his full squad of 18
players to Bletchley for another joust against a club in the top half of the
Division 1 table.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are no injury
problems.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Leamington made most of the
early running but they found the Bletchley defence in good form.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Adrian Stewart managed to squeeze in a shot
after three minutes but he fired the ball well wide of the Bletchley goal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Leamington forced three corners in the first
ten minutes and from the third Norman Foster sent a fierce header flashing wide
of the post.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Bletchley hit back
immediately with Jeff Weeks nodding the ball down into a crowded
goalmouth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bobby Horne came back to cut
out the threat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mike Bailey, making his
final appearance for Bletchley before moving to Wales broke though on the left
and crossed but Weeks’ header fell safely into the hands of goalkeeper Dave
Garrett.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The first worthwhile effort
came after 15 minutes when Lines skimmed the top of the Leamington bar with a
tremendous shot from 25 yards. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bletchley opened the
scoring in the second half when Doug Griffin deflected a cross from Lines into
his own net.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Leamington fought hard to
get back into the game but some desperate defensive work by Bletchley kept them
at bay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Brakes were back on level terms after 11 minutes when Foster
slipped the ball past Weeks and Bletchley defender Graham Wear helped it over
the line in an attempt to clear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Goalkeeper Dennis Wells robbed Leamington of a win with a brilliant
penalty save after Adrian Stewart was floored In the box.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wells came to Bletchley’s rescue by pushing
John Brady’s fiercely hit spot kick over the bar.’<o:p></o:p></p>Wyn Granthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17473299774041779419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4092845998039065272.post-38341332753658980842024-01-14T06:16:00.000-08:002024-01-14T06:17:12.841-08:00'Holleran aiming to make it a lucky 13'<p>Paul Holleran thinks that a new stadium is key to Leamington's future. In an interview with <i>The Non-League Paper </i>he stated: 'I think that Leamington's ideal would be to get the stadium through and then they would have the incomes streams and resources that they might need to then say we can go into that league and compete.'</p><p>After the pain of relegation last season, Holleran says that he has enjoyed life back in Step 3 as the club relish the chance to regroup and prepare for a return to National League North,. 'On a personal level, I am quite enjoying it, not being so intense and less travelling.'</p><p>'Realistically, people in the club know we have had a good look at the National League. It is frustrating to go on there and be setting on the edge of your 18-yard box for most of the season.'</p><p>Reflecting on his time at the Brakes, Holleran said: 'At certain times when I thought the end was near, something has happened which has sparked me again. There always seems to be something that comes along that goes right. When you have got an affinity with the club I have thought, realistically, I know I will be the best person to sort it out.'</p><p>''We have lost our top goal scorers for the last five, six, seven years and, thankfully, most of them gone on to do really well.' The article points to players who have established themselves in the Football League from Holleran's stewardship, including Courtney Baker-Richardson at Crewe, Colby Bishop at Portsmouth and Josh March at Harrogate.</p><p>Yesterday Baker-Richardson scored a winning goal for Crewe with a clever back flick.</p><p><br /></p>Wyn Granthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17473299774041779419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4092845998039065272.post-36716960255345796432024-01-02T00:01:00.000-08:002024-01-02T00:01:43.254-08:00Glass game was promotion test<p>In December 1973 AP Leamington ‘took the lead against
Kidderminster Harriers at Aggborough after 36 minutes through winger Talbot in
front of a crowd of just 281. AP were
awarded a free kick in the first minute but Brady’s centre was easily gathered
by Harriers’ young keeper Marl Hingley.
AP forced their first corner a minute later. Goodfellow took the kick but the ball was
cleared. Kidderminster suffered an
early setback when Pat Lynch limped off and was replaced by substitute Wayne
Jentas</p><p>In the 26<sup>th</sup> minute
AP broke the deadlock. Slack defensive
play by Kidderminster enabled Talbot to collect the ball and fire in a low shot
which Hingley could only partially stop before it trickled over. AP were doing their fair share of attacking
and Hingley was called on to make a couple of fine saves. AP forced two successive corners in the
second half but both proved fruitless. </p><p>After the break they allowed Kidderminster to
come more into the picture. Kerton
Masterton equalised for the home side in the 67<sup>th</sup> minute and Brendan
Wassall put them in the lead eight minutes later. Leamington, however, were stunned back into
action and they began to search for an equaliser. They were rewarded three minutes from time
when a cross shot from Mick Boot found its way into the net with the help of a
deflection.’</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">A home fixture against Stourbridge was seen as a test for
Leamington’s promotion ambitions. ‘Unbeaten Stourbridge took a strong hold by
netting two goals without reply during an entertaining first half against AP
Leamington at the Windmill Ground today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Stourbridge opened at a lively pace and quickly put the home side under
pressure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After only three minutes
Hayward put in a teasing shot which Jones did well to push over the top.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The centre forward then burst on a through
ball and Jones was forced to dash from his line and collect at the second
attempt.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Leamington were looking nimble
in midfield and Boot twice put over fine cross balls to cause concern.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And when the little wing half hammered over a
head high centre, Moore clutched at it under pressure from Foster.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Talbot
flashed into the picture with a snap drive which beat Moore but swerved into
the side netting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>But it was Stourbridge
who eventually broke the deadlock with a superb goal after 20 minutes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Left back Davies was the scorer, his 25-yard
shot giving Jones no chance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Two
minutes later Bates tapped in a second when the home defence failed to clear a
loose ball.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stourbridge were shaping as
a talented outfit and the home defence looked quite shaky against some
organised attacks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Only Talbot was
proving dangerous on the home front but his bright wing play failed to inspire
his colleagues</p><p class="MsoNormal">Classy Stourbridge
increased their lead seven minutes in the second half when Bates rose to head
home from Booth’s pin-point centre.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Leamington then survived a hectic moment when Stourbridge forwards
failed to put the ball home as Jones and Bowden lay injured after colliding in
midair.’<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Leamington got a late
consolation, but the Glass went top of the table.<o:p></o:p></p>Wyn Granthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17473299774041779419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4092845998039065272.post-75864359300140391432023-12-10T04:38:00.000-08:002023-12-10T04:38:45.425-08:00Knox scouted Sunday League<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal">In December 1973 there was ‘only one local player in AP
Leamington’s current first team pool – left winger Ivor Talbot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But Brakes boss Jimmy Knox Is convinced
there is a healthy reservoir of talent in the area and is determined to recruit
some of the outstanding local amateurs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“There are a lot of excellent young players in the town and I want them
to be part of the future of AP Leamington,” said the Windmill chief. “I intend
to run a youth side next season and I am sure that if we can get such a scheme
established we will be able to produce a more effective senior side. “<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal">Knox built a splendid reputation at Rugby
Town where he was operating on a shoestring budget and was forced to lean heavily
on local talent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He moulded them into a
promotion challenging side and, although financial pressures finally forced
Rugby to fold, he remains confident there is a wealth of players in junior
football who are capable of making an impact on the Southern League.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal">Knox has been a regular spectator at recent
Leamington Sunday League matches – and he has been impressed by what he has
seen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“There is a big gap between junior
football and the Southern League,” he said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“But I have seen several players who could make the grade.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hope to bring some of them to the
Windmill.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">‘Two opportunist goals from AP Leamington’s Norman Foster
put them in a strong position against lowly Gloucester City at Gloucester.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Leamington made a fine start and after
forcing an early corner went on to take a fourth minute lead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A long penetrating ball from Steve Lee found
Foster and caught the Gloucester defence flat footed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Foster made ground before neatly slotting
the ball home past Stow in the home goal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal">After this early setback Gloucester found more rhythm and went close in
the sixteenth minute.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A constructive
move resulted in Chris Gardner finding himself with plenty of room in front of
goal, but the young striker fired over the bar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>After Gardner had gone close again for the City, with a header following
a cross from Hargreaves, Leamington broke away and once again the Gloucester
defence were caught napping.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A
misunderstanding between Williams and goalkeeper Stow allowed Foster to nip in
between them and calmly touch the ball home for his second goal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
opening minute of the second half saw Leamington with two chances of improving
their lead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The first fell to Foster
but this time Stowe thwarted his effort to achieve a hat trick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then Sweenie went close with a long range
shot and with Leamington looking at their most dangerous Trevor Hubbard hit the
crossbar with a fierce drive in the 61<sup>st</sup> minute.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Near the end Jimmy Goodfellow broke through
for the third goal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gloucester scored
a consolation goal through full back Vale in the last minute.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>AP will have few easier tasks in their
league programme this season than the summary disposal of hapless City who
could so easily have been beaten by an ever higher margin.’<o:p></o:p></p>Wyn Granthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17473299774041779419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4092845998039065272.post-44992913755424152312023-12-04T02:12:00.000-08:002023-12-04T02:12:31.188-08:00Brakes furious with referee who wanted to get home to wife<p>In November 1973 AP Leamington ‘were still fuming about a
last minute penalty decision which gave Darlaston victory in their FA Challenge
Trophy clash – but a protest to the FA has been rejected. Brakes’ defenders claimed that Darlaston
right winger Alec Jackson “took a dive” following a Jon Brady tackle outside
the area. And at the weekend angry AP
officials alleged that referee K.V. Kelsall had awarded the penalty in order to
avoid extra time. But when the club
lodged a complaint against the official, they received a curt reply from the
Football Association. The FA pointed out
that Kelsall was on the Football League list until his retirement age last
year. And they said that referees should
be judged on their overall performance, not a single incident. </p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">But Brakes are still convinced that the “single incident”
was “a travesty of justice”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Said
manager Jimmy Knox: “The linesman was only 15-yards from the incident and he
never flagged, yet the referee was 40 yards away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He went to the linesman and remarked to two
of our players on the way: “It Is going to be a penalty. I don’t want extra
time.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One Windmill official added that
Mr Kelsall (from Stafford) had said before the match that he did not want extra
time as he was anxious to get home to his wife who was ill.’<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">At the Windmill Ground ‘Bedworth snatched the lead for a
minute, but then AP asserted themselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Early in the action, Garnell in the Bedworth goal have to save an
awkward shot from Sweenie (back after a long spell out with a cartilage injury,
hehad been an unused substitute midweek).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Bedworth survived the opening pressure and for a lengthy spell play was
confined to midfield.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bedworth forced
two successive corners, neither of which produced a result and when Leamington
broke away on the left. Garnell again saved a dangerous low shot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was against the run of play when
Karancinski gave Bedworth the lead in the 18<sup>th</sup> minute but a minute
later Leamington were level when Lee scored with a fine shot after Brady had
split the United defence. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the 25<sup>th</sup>
minute Leamington went ahead following a penalty awarded against Harkus for
hands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Brady’s spot kick hit the bar and
when the ball rebounded into play Goodfellow raced in to head it smartly into
the net.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Leamington continued to
dominate the exchanges and Lee scored a third goal after 40 minutes when he
raced into head Goodfellow’s corner kick well wide of the goalkeeper. ‘<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Brakes ended up hammering Bedworth 5-1.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Meanwhile, the fate of Leamington Town Hall hung in the
balance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>‘A plan to save Leamington
Town Hall from demolition was described as “nothing more than a suggestion” by
Councillor Tom Nicholson, last year’s Mayor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The future of the building hangs in the balance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Plans to pull it down and sell the site for
shops to pay for new civic buildings in Newbold Terrace have run into fierce
opposition from both the Leamington Society and the Save Leamington Action
Movement (SLAM). Councillor Nicholson said the obvious alternative to
demolition was to retain the building and build new office accommodation on the
council-owned land behind it.’<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>Wyn Granthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17473299774041779419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4092845998039065272.post-49490127906447950892023-11-14T00:37:00.000-08:002023-11-14T00:37:33.475-08:00Brakes unbeaten 50 years ago<p>‘AP Leamington had to wait until the last minute of the
opening half for a goal against a Dunstable team given an 8-0 drubbing the
previous week by Bromsgrove. The
visitors looked likely to score in the second minute when Talbot was left clear
but the angle proved too narrow and his cross shot was put behind for a
fruitless corner.</p><p>For a while it was
Dunstable that called the tune. Full
back Taylor cleared a Whitaker shot off the Leamington line. The visitors were soon back on the attack
and Dunstable goalkeeper Barr made two good saves from the ever threatening
Talbot. But in the end it was a mistake
by Barr that gave Leamington the lead.
He failed to hold on to a fairly harmless shot from Palmer and as the
ball rolled loose, Hubbard was there to crack it home. </p><p>Leamington lost some of
their grip on the game in the early stages of the second half and Dunstable
looked threatening. The home side
produced the best move of the match in the 55<sup>th</sup> minute. Player manager Thear started it in midfield
and finished when he headed just over from a cross by Davis.’</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">‘Compact AP made no mistake in this Southern League Cup
replay to earn themselves a tough away draw with Tamworth in the Third
Round.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Meeting Enderby for the fourth
time this seasion, Brakes gained their first victory with confident ease.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And disappointing Town, so vigorous in
previous clashes, were a well-beaten side long before the end.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal">Mick Boot slammed AP in front from close
range after 10 minutes and Trevor Hubbard quickly made it 2-0 with the neatest
of headers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But Town managed to reduce
the arrears before the interval when Neil Matthews bunled in a corner at the
near post.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Leamington were rarely
threatened in the second half, however, and with Ivor Talbot sparkling on the
left wing they were able to clinch victory with goals from Talbot and
Hubbard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Injury hit AP played local
amateur David Garrett in goal, and although at fault when Enderby scored, the
youngster did a useful job and made two very fine saves in the second half.’<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In the FA Trophy, ‘After dictating matters for an hour, AP
all but allowed gritty Darlaston to snatch a shock victory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But Brakes managed to hold in the face of
determined raids and will start tomorrow’s replay as red hot favourites.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Attacking down the pronounced slope in the
first half, the visitors established a 2-0 lead through a couple of goals from
leading scorer Norman Foster.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Home
centre half Keith Warhurst was unwittingly involved in both, his back pass
setting up the first and a lack of pace allowing the second.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>But the change of ends brought about a
dramatic change of fortunes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Darlaston
suddenly got their game together and AP’s defence were run ragged for a spell.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Veteran Les Cocker cut the arrears on the
hour.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And five minutes later Graham Bevan
slammed home the equaliser from close range.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And in the final analysis Leamington must have been happy with the draw
as their West Midlands League rivals got a little too close for comfort.’<o:p></o:p></p>Wyn Granthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17473299774041779419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4092845998039065272.post-89489357483543272782023-10-29T01:09:00.006-07:002023-10-29T01:09:45.931-07:00'Sticky patch' for Brakes in October 1973<p>Although AP Leamington had been ‘going through a sticky
patch’ in October 1973 ‘Norman Foster has emerged as one of the most consistent
scorers in the Southern League. Foster,
one of seven ex-Rugby Town men who joined manager Jimmy Knox at the Windmill,
has hit 11 goals in his 15 outings to date.
And Knox is confident that the lanky front runner will make an even
bigger impact when the current midfield problems have been ironed out. </p><p> Says Knox: “Adrian Stewart was the main striker
at Oakfield, Norman filled a secondary role.
But he never gave less than 100 per cent and I had no hesitation in
bringing him to the Windmill when I was appointed manager of AP.“ And Foster
has repaid this confidence with some exciting displays that have established
him as a firm favourite with the Leamington crowd. In recent weeks AP’s midfield men have failed
to produce their early season form and Foster’s chances have been strictly
limited. But he has maintained his
enthusiasm and aggression and Knox is certain that Foster will be among the
division’s leading scorers at the end of the season.’</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Another report stated that ‘AP Leamington manager, Jimmy
Knox, is battling to overcome one of the most frustrating problems a manager
can face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is convinced that he has a
good side, but knows that they are not playing well at the moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most regular supporters agree that Knox has
assembled the strongest playing pool at the Windmill for several years and team
spirit is high.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal">But Knox is far from
satisfied with the results this season, especially at home games.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We have had numerous problems in the past
six matches and it has been a worrying time for myself, the trainer and the
players,” he said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I have had quite a
lot of criticism in the past three weeks and I have criticised the players in
the proper place – the dressing room.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But Knox is not despondent about the future.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I have been entrusted with the task of
making AP a force in the world of non-league football.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will endeavour to do this, and a few
setbacks does not mean the end of the world.”’<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">However, Leamington banished their blues in ‘a most emphatic
manner with a splendid second-half performance against Redditch United.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Going into the game with a string of
lacklustre home displays behind them Brakes came good with four brilliant goals
in an exciting last 45 minutes. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Redditch,
who crashed 3-1 to the Leamington outfit in an earlier FA Cup tie, offered
genuine resistance during the opening period.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They took a 10-minute lead with a Nicky Ingram penalty and caused
repeated problems in the AP rearguard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>But Bobby Horne slammed a great equaliser just before the interval and
from then on there was only one side in it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Left winger Micky Boot, given an orthodox role down the flank, ran riot
with his most impressive display of the term.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He laid on four goals equally shared between Horne and Norman Foster and
finished off the scoring with a firm right footer just before the end.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a solid display that saw United off.’<o:p></o:p></p>Wyn Granthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17473299774041779419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4092845998039065272.post-9199975279489814892023-10-22T00:35:00.001-07:002023-10-22T00:35:41.310-07:00Preparing the New Windmill Ground in 2000<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5BCrdWa9pY8f5k_wsfoV8rtbAgXmETmG-n-xD51hb-IzYrekeiwZz4qMsp06GAO1pIqBZ0szXdl9REApUZWa1Y6K2lVr9hgaeRDp7hdBK9Q1WMeVB6elUYPEekQ3d-aYTRvXOzpiGIUhCISTOjfpH3-t0RG9O9PPW4O_uFPN4RmrBkgLgxMyuCqMPQFxa/s1500/Brakes8%20(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1432" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5BCrdWa9pY8f5k_wsfoV8rtbAgXmETmG-n-xD51hb-IzYrekeiwZz4qMsp06GAO1pIqBZ0szXdl9REApUZWa1Y6K2lVr9hgaeRDp7hdBK9Q1WMeVB6elUYPEekQ3d-aYTRvXOzpiGIUhCISTOjfpH3-t0RG9O9PPW4O_uFPN4RmrBkgLgxMyuCqMPQFxa/s320/Brakes8%20(2).jpg" width="305" /></a></div><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4FaaNeZjYs3UcQpyqt7pn82CBHofQ_GgAZTWIwP7zywdxDC7Fb-xytQyNtjMzDCCeU4EJ2H5QvO8Ppj1DceTMN47hNV4S-NA6Qs4luSaf9l1amqBpHEaCpTQBJnRnAfy3Y6q_3vjcrjapKlG20sWmpiTGFoHg-Sh4HkcL11u1SmGro3rWA2PfZ12WTLeU/s2076/Brakes9%20(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1266" data-original-width="2076" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4FaaNeZjYs3UcQpyqt7pn82CBHofQ_GgAZTWIwP7zywdxDC7Fb-xytQyNtjMzDCCeU4EJ2H5QvO8Ppj1DceTMN47hNV4S-NA6Qs4luSaf9l1amqBpHEaCpTQBJnRnAfy3Y6q_3vjcrjapKlG20sWmpiTGFoHg-Sh4HkcL11u1SmGro3rWA2PfZ12WTLeU/s320/Brakes9%20(2).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Wyn Granthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17473299774041779419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4092845998039065272.post-79868030440873982272023-10-09T01:23:00.002-07:002023-10-09T01:23:50.530-07:00Key dates in Leamington's football history<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi45OePvhLB_FTgUw7EPeKFyQX2bZ-tKR82kAjIkAuQejRMIlUxBfCypn6eVtEwAMlpI2w3hdOGoMNq4l7KA-rG6_9K5tDEMFjItpBkgbsi1dMiiFWkdVuxlPm2r3m9wHoI6m4RduwUOfNjAaWJ7CNjkYWLY8TFSqch0EKObid9Nc0r1sQ9yMaMB15EAuHU/s2229/Brakes7%20(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1355" data-original-width="2229" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi45OePvhLB_FTgUw7EPeKFyQX2bZ-tKR82kAjIkAuQejRMIlUxBfCypn6eVtEwAMlpI2w3hdOGoMNq4l7KA-rG6_9K5tDEMFjItpBkgbsi1dMiiFWkdVuxlPm2r3m9wHoI6m4RduwUOfNjAaWJ7CNjkYWLY8TFSqch0EKObid9Nc0r1sQ9yMaMB15EAuHU/s320/Brakes7%20(2).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p>Wyn Granthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17473299774041779419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4092845998039065272.post-76727224349866771472023-10-02T04:33:00.002-07:002023-10-02T04:33:57.343-07:00When we came back from our long sleep<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIEwS1s9hLNkyIK9wFQp0b00MzPyCksv3R1-1FfscDIFAWoCQ1xlsPeSjEaJBJ9SCSiHZiMAR0x7AQkenrRPjMW_ApqLB0boYVzdY45tPh4BilUuC5QHnrxf4zTPk_-aqpTEO7RBg3fCe0ydaDh_cil5MrOHCQ0jPXYd6tQ3NwsLc9zmTK_j_HDz5vNaRM/s1835/Brakes6%20(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1835" data-original-width="1450" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIEwS1s9hLNkyIK9wFQp0b00MzPyCksv3R1-1FfscDIFAWoCQ1xlsPeSjEaJBJ9SCSiHZiMAR0x7AQkenrRPjMW_ApqLB0boYVzdY45tPh4BilUuC5QHnrxf4zTPk_-aqpTEO7RBg3fCe0ydaDh_cil5MrOHCQ0jPXYd6tQ3NwsLc9zmTK_j_HDz5vNaRM/s320/Brakes6%20(2).jpg" width="253" /></a></div><br /><p></p>Wyn Granthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17473299774041779419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4092845998039065272.post-62414060076050121072023-09-24T23:17:00.003-07:002023-09-24T23:17:54.491-07:00More 2000 memories<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicKri4GUpB5hROcOK5q8UWlMCWd_yrnetxIktyfgH79bdom5FAE7cgn8KX-iIrVNX9dFfA2dGy7VFvQqQKxMLNH8GYmQNZA43r9cr3d4mvoS-Wz_dxGx2_J1326SaQvfRq8nvwKJ-1934SubXifgqymKqRbljB5eQOXPscYjbiXPRv_56MKZ_IbqvBWrp6/s2200/Brakes5%20(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1674" data-original-width="2200" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicKri4GUpB5hROcOK5q8UWlMCWd_yrnetxIktyfgH79bdom5FAE7cgn8KX-iIrVNX9dFfA2dGy7VFvQqQKxMLNH8GYmQNZA43r9cr3d4mvoS-Wz_dxGx2_J1326SaQvfRq8nvwKJ-1934SubXifgqymKqRbljB5eQOXPscYjbiXPRv_56MKZ_IbqvBWrp6/s320/Brakes5%20(2).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p>Wyn Granthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17473299774041779419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4092845998039065272.post-83851758283204960432023-09-24T00:38:00.003-07:002023-09-24T00:38:20.720-07:00Single goal decides cup clash<p>Brakes faced a challenging away FA Cup match at Bedworth in
September 1973, having beaten Redditch away in the opening round. ‘Gerry Baker,
Bedworth United’s player-manager, returns to the FA Cup scene tomorrow. And that could well be bad news for AP Leamington
when the teams clash at The Oval. </p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">For Baker is something of a FA Cup expert.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He scored in the FA Cup for all the First
Division teams he played for and netted a hat trick for Nuneaton Borough in his
cup debut at Atherstone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And he holds
the Scottish Cup record for goals scored in one game.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He netted 10 times for St. Mirren in their
15-0 win over Glasgow University.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It will be Baker’s cup debut for Bedworth and
the impressive AP outfit will be in for a tough match.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Manager Jimmy Knox takes a 13-man squad, but
is still without Tom Swinnie.’<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">‘Tom Sweenie, AP Leamington’s brilliant midfield player, has
not kicked a ball this season.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a
worrying time for Sweenie and AP manager Jimmy Knox.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But this week the little Scot at last
reported that his injured knee was feeling “a little easier”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sweenie, who played First Division football
with Leicester City, had a cartilage operation on July 20.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Current City skipper Keith Weller had a similar operation at
the same time and both players received regular physiotherapy treatment at
Filbert Street.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But while Weller is now
back in action, Sweenie is wondering when he will be able to start
training.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is suffering from muscle
wastage on his thigh and may have to go back into hospital to have fluid drained
from his knee.’<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">‘Trevor Shepherd, the ex-Coventry City striker who packs
dynamite in his right boot, fired a great match winner to take Bedworth United
into the second qualifying round. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>AP won
the toss and put United to face the sun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Hubbard, AP’s centre forward, had to receive treatment after two minutes
of play.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>United had the better of the
opening minutes, but AP went close when Hubbard centred from the by-line and
Potter headed inches over the bar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Hubbard missed a possible chance for AP.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Foster gave him a cross, but the striker fired well over the bar. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the first 20
minutes there was little to choose between the two sides, but free kicks were
numerous against both teams.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From one,
Shepherd fired a terrific strike inches wide as Jones failed to move in
goal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Half time 0-0.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Shepherd netted three minutes from time to
settle a tie that seemed set for a replay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The wonder goal was one of the finest seen at The Oval this season, but
there was no celebration for AP Leamington who had the edge for most of the
game.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As their manager Jimmy Knox said
after the game, “we gave them one chance and they took it.”’<o:p></o:p></p>Wyn Granthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17473299774041779419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4092845998039065272.post-8126911609455401142023-09-17T02:16:00.001-07:002023-09-17T02:16:34.968-07:0020 facts about the Brakes<p>From the Courier special supplement in 2000:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5u_a0NUjUbiX5G3e2JICRhP-Pul1AVcuaqF8Kma5j-oi80-CckUBdDQMyVlDKW4vpW4Q3yGEcU0DUJ2yzj4eN48E_YfEqHpWB17NPC8elArwF_kCQlZi9cryVgJRQqiMUX7aRlZv4DBVemt1ATC-RujJcuuX3S2CJeaKQ1cSBfOkjYgl8_yjWxKGZLRIT/s2301/Brakes2%20(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1191" data-original-width="2301" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5u_a0NUjUbiX5G3e2JICRhP-Pul1AVcuaqF8Kma5j-oi80-CckUBdDQMyVlDKW4vpW4Q3yGEcU0DUJ2yzj4eN48E_YfEqHpWB17NPC8elArwF_kCQlZi9cryVgJRQqiMUX7aRlZv4DBVemt1ATC-RujJcuuX3S2CJeaKQ1cSBfOkjYgl8_yjWxKGZLRIT/s320/Brakes2%20(2).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Wyn Granthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17473299774041779419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4092845998039065272.post-51052711961199730032023-09-13T00:17:00.003-07:002023-09-13T00:17:32.128-07:00FA Cup tie was 'a real test of character'<p>At the beginning of September 1973 AP Leamington travelled
‘to Redditch for a FA Cup match cursing their luck of the draw and hoping to
gain revenge. The Brakes, dogged by away
ties in the FA Cup, went out to Nuneaton in the first round last year.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">But AP Leamington
have another score to settle in their clash with Redditch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Last year they were sent out of the FA
Challenge Trophy with a 3-0 defeat at The Valley.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jimmy Knox viewed the FA Cup tie at Redditch
United as the first real test of character for his cock-a-hoop AP Leamington
squad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Brakes opened the season in
barn-storming fashion by picking up seven points out of eight in their first
four League matches.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And in between they
threw in a first class 3-0 Southern League Cup win against powerful Kidderminster
Harriers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But they were pulled up in
their tracks in Monday’s second leg at Aggborough, when Kidderminster gained a
3-2 success and Knox looks to today’s match at Redditch to prove that his side
has the ability to fight back.’ <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As it turned out
‘Aggressive AP Leamington proved far too strong for Redditch in the first
qualifying round of the FA Cup.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It took
only three minutes for AP to make an impression on the weak Redditch defence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Goodfellow waiting on the edge of the box
pounced on a loose ball and gave Blackwell no chance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, Redditch were not without their
chances.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After 10 minutes Evatt came
close when his header whistled past the post.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Towards the end of the half the game became more and more a
matter of kick and rush with both sides taking advantage of the high wind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was at this point that Redditch went even
further behind with a goal coming from Goodfellow who blasted the ball into the
top of the net.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>AP almost made it three
before half time when a deflected shot from Hubbard went inches wide.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Redditch managed to get one back through
Taylor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But that was that for Redditch
for the day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With minutes to go Hubbard
hammered in a shot following a defensive mix up.’<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Away at Stevenage in the league, ‘A moment of slackness just
before the end of the game robbed AP Leamington of their unbroken record.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was rough justice on AP who had done
their best to entertain in a game that neither side deserved to lose.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Looking to repeat last season’s double over
the Brakes Stevenage opened brightly and almost took the lead after two
minutes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But Leamington were
not without attacking ideas in a fast-moving game and it took a foul to stop
Foster as he raced through.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But on 30
minutes Adams took a ball past the advancing keeper and crossed for the
unmarked Hatch to head into an empty net.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>A swift raid brought the Brakes level, Hubbard firing home after a
scramble in the Stevenage goalmouth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Leamington looked the sharper side after the break and Horne was only
inches away from putting them ahead with a pile driver.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>AP’s defence failed to spot the danger as
Hatch headed into the path of Adams who scored to make it 2-1.’<o:p></o:p></p>Wyn Granthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17473299774041779419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4092845998039065272.post-50943366599632247932023-09-09T23:41:00.004-07:002023-09-09T23:41:58.490-07:00Mick Brady 2000 interview<p>In 2000 the <i>Courier </i>published an eight page supplement to mark the return of football to Leamington. Here is the interview with Mick Brady:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOT5OKygDAXwQZ_BF6l8iFm2I5toPmFU1gQJGAtI59S--ZDCs_CXkhEcmCX1fniQTg5ZPKon58hwjcGxgzSBI6VjmoaAJoL7b2XrZ5m2VRT0X7MHRQWjGcYWQDp655c2FL0M76zL_6IjACm0iW00dO0Jtm_d4MSfkocOkIszcv8oWE93KBS79UCnzzeF8x/s1610/Brady%20(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1164" data-original-width="1610" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOT5OKygDAXwQZ_BF6l8iFm2I5toPmFU1gQJGAtI59S--ZDCs_CXkhEcmCX1fniQTg5ZPKon58hwjcGxgzSBI6VjmoaAJoL7b2XrZ5m2VRT0X7MHRQWjGcYWQDp655c2FL0M76zL_6IjACm0iW00dO0Jtm_d4MSfkocOkIszcv8oWE93KBS79UCnzzeF8x/s320/Brady%20(2).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Wyn Granthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17473299774041779419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4092845998039065272.post-19435305174782199582023-09-02T23:40:00.004-07:002023-09-02T23:40:25.958-07:00Brakes overcome Kiddy across two legs<p>AP Leamington were involved in a two leg Southern League cup
tie with Kidderminster Harriers at the end of August 1973. At the Windmill Ground ‘Twin strikers Norman
Foster and Trevor Hubbard shared the goals to give AP a deserve 2-0 advantage
from the first leg of this cracking Southern League Cup tie. And Kidderminster will need to show a
startling improvement in Monday’s second leg if they are to retain any interest
in this competition. AP, unbeaten in
four matches, took time to settle against an uncompromising defence which
tackled quickly and offered few opportunities. </p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But once Foster had
put them in front after 26 minutes there was only one side in it as the
Leamington outfit turned up the heat to threaten a runaway victory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Foster, who is looking a very fine player
this season, took his goal with remarkable coolness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hubbard’s persistence prompted the chance and
the lanky striker made no mistake with a crushing angled drive which left
Hingley clutching at thin air.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The home side really got their game together in the second
half and Kidderminster were fortunate to see snap efforts from Foster and Micky
Ross smack against the bar and bounce to safety.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But there was no preventing Hubbard’s goal
after 52 minutes after the centre forward turned and rifled a low shot past
Hingley from 20 yards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And the season’s
largest crowd of 420 were almost treated to two more goals in the last 15 minutes
as first Foster and then Bobby Hart saw shots well saved by the gallant
Hingley.’<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In the return fixture ‘Kidderminster outplayed AP in the
first period and raced to a deserved 3-0 lead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>During the first half AP’s attacks were limited but on one occasion they
went close when a shot from Goodfellow crashed against the bar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After the break, Kidderminster went off the
boil and AP wasted no time in accepting their chances to hit back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They made it 3-1 in the 76<sup>th</sup>
minute when Foster found enough time to fire the ball past keeper Hingley
following a corner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, just when it
looked as if the clubs would have to fight it out in a replay, Leamington made
it 3-2 in the last minute to give them an aggregate 4-3 victory.’<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In the league AP continued their early season form with a
2-1 victory over Witney Town who had joined the league ‘after huge successes in
the Hellenic League.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Witney were the
first to attack but were generally subdued by the taller Leamington defenders. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the sixth minute
the visitors nearly took the lead when Hubbard drifted in from the left and
fired a first time shot against an upward. Leamington were producing all the
better ideas, and it was hardly surprising when Foster headed them into the
lead in the 17<sup>th</sup> minute.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Horne was given far too much room on the right wing and his cross gave
Foster plenty of space and time in which to score.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And it was Foster who assured Leamington full
points when he netted in the second half.’<o:p></o:p></p>Wyn Granthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17473299774041779419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4092845998039065272.post-3727836835297950992023-08-29T02:32:00.005-07:002023-09-03T02:42:16.144-07:00Knox in 1973: 'now we can get the club back on his feet<p>Brakes started their 1973/4 season with a home fixture
against Wellingborough. ‘Jimmy Knox
breathed a sigh of relief after seeing his eight-change outfit come through to
beat Wellingborough with two late goals.
Confessed Knox: “I am glad that one is out of the way. Now we can get down to the job of putting the
club back on its feet.” But this
satisfactory performance would suggest that AP are poised to leave behind their
lean days. This side, heartened by a
first minute goal, chased themselves into the ground with a fire and enthusiasm
rarely seen last season. </p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">They hit the Wellingborough woodwork three times, saw two
shots cleared off the line, and generally buzzed around with refreshing
honesty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hubbard headed Brakes into
their early lead and it was another header from the same player that set up
Foster’s first goal after Brian Etheridge and Keith Shrimpton’s own goal had
put the visitors in front.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And with
the minutes ticking out, the impressive Foster outpaced the Wellngborough
defence and beat the keeper for the winner.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Away at Corby, the home side ‘were desperate for points with
two defeats in their first two games, but both sides looked evenly matched in
the early stages.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Corby almost went
ahead in the sixth minute, but Gully’s shot was skilfully pushed round the post
by Leamington keeper David Jones.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Foster had an opening for Leamington, but he aimed his shot from just
inside the box straight at Peter Walters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Both goalkeepers were kept busy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jones robbed McGowan as he steamed in towards
goal, and Walters saved well from Robbie Horn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Foster scooped the ball over the bar from close range after 19 minutes
when he might have scored, and Burns was forced to clear off the line from
Stabbard as Leamington got into their stride.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But the Steelmen
looked hesitant in front of goal – giving the visitors’ defence ample
opportunity to cover.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Despite their
early lack of form Corby were unlucky not to lead at half time after Dick
Walpole saw his shot hit the near post when he lashed the ball over the diving
body of Jones three minutes before the interval.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Walters pulled off a rather lucky save
shortly after the interval when he stuck out a foot to cut a fierce shot from
Hubbard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">And it came as no surprise when Doug Griffiths put
Leamington ahead after 53 minutes when he slammed the ball from close range
into the roof of the net at the second attempt after Walters had blocked his
first shot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Leamington won by the
single goal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Brakes: Jones, Shrimpton,
Brady, Griffiths, Withington, Boot, Horn, Hubbard, Lee, Forster,
Goodfellow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sub: Taylor.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>Wyn Granthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17473299774041779419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4092845998039065272.post-71908160884159409002023-08-20T00:54:00.001-07:002023-08-20T00:54:08.237-07:00Brakes 'the team to watch' in 1973<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal">The Sports Argus declared in August 1973 that AP Leamington
were ‘the team to watch.’ A special
feature was headlined ‘The brakes are off at Leamington.’ ‘Even though the title of the Southern League
Division One North team has changed, the ambitions remain the same, the
championship and possible membership of the proposed new National League. </p><p class="MsoNormal">There is much that is new about the
club. A new strip … Manager Jimmy Knox
recruited at the back end of last season from the now defunct Rugby side …
eight new players who came over with him.
And that is not all – a bright new image is being sought after a period
of what chairman Gerry Lock describes as “being a little in the doldrums.” One link with the past that is unlikely to
weaken is the nickname. “We have always
been called The Brakes. I do not see why
that should not stay.“ </p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Like every other club chairman he often has rosy dreams of
the future, but he knows that even dreams must have a sound backing. “There is
no end to what we can do with good support and a good team on the park.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One has to have a winning side to pull in
supporters in volume.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, we have had
a fair start, five points from the first three matches.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The first home game packed in 286 supporters,
the second 401.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>[Our first home game
this season had an attendance of 402].<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There is good potential in the district provided there are good
performances on the field.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Prime target
for AP is a social club, an amenity they do not yet boast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But in keeping with the progressive trend, it
is a top priority and there will be no money worries.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mr Lock explained that aid would come from
AP Leamington Football Assistance Club, “one of our fund-raising activities.
“<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">His tributes go to the men who make up the club board:
President, Mr W. Garner, who is a director of the company Automotive Products
Limited; vice-chairman Mr L. Timms; secretary, Mr W.C. Patrick; treasurer Mr E.
Pagilton, the 11-man committee and their wives who have willingly given up
leisure time to help.’<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If his name were not
enough, manager Jimmy Knox could not deny the country of his origin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So thick is his Scots accent you could cut a
hole in it and scramble through.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now for
the qualification: “There is <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a lot of
work to do yet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Three or four matches do
not give any great guidance, but the signs are encouraging.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In spite of the good start in the three
opening games, Jimmy says: “I do not think we have played particularly well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know from experience that these players can
do a lot better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I a m not, however,
going to be critical and after ten or twelve matches we will know if they are
going places or not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are really
keen to do well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We want to do something
for this club.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are so ambitious and
it is up to us not to let them down.’<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>Wyn Granthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17473299774041779419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4092845998039065272.post-78101298766033669522023-08-07T03:31:00.001-07:002023-08-07T03:31:38.667-07:00Knox had his critics 50 years ago<p><i>Fifty years ago Jimmy Knox was preparing for his first full season in charge at Leamington, but some had their doubts.</i></p><p>‘Anything Rugby Town Did’ was the headline in the Coventry
Evening Telegraph’s preview of AP Leamington’s 1973/4 season. ‘AP Leamington’s craggy manager Jimmy Knox is
sure of one thing – better times lay ahead at the Windmlll Ground. Knox, a professional who views skill as a
bonus to hard work, enjoyed a successful spell at the helm of the now defunct
Rugby Town. And he has made it clear
that anything that Rugby did, AP Leamington can do better. “We have a fine ground, and unlimited crowd
potential,” he said. “So now we have
got to provide the sort of entertainment that will get the club back where it
belongs.” AP Leamington - they dropped the Lockheed title during the
close season – have been in the doldrums for a number of seasons.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Many critics claim that Knox’s tough approach will still
fail to stop the slide towards soccer obscurity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rather than a trouble-shooter, they say the
club requires a miracle worker.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But
Knox will have none of this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We are
professionals and, as long as we work to our full capacity, there is no reason
why Brakes should not mount a positive challenge this season.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The 37-year old Scot surprised a lot of
people when he kept only six players at the end of the season – defenders<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dennis Taylor, Ernie Wilkinson, Keith
Shrimpton and Tony Bowden, plus midfield pair Micky Boot and Tom Sweenie. But
he knew the men he wanted to improve the team, and although suffering a few
setbacks, has signed eight players.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bowden has since said he will be unable to
play this season, but Knox is still convinced that AP are poised for a
concerted push.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Not surprisingly he has relied on the people who did so well
for him at Oakfield.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He has signed
goalkeeper Daniel<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jones, full back John
Brady, defender Doug Griffiths and forwards Steve Lee, Jimmy Goodfollow and
Norman Porter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Add to these Racing Club
winger Ivor Talbot, the only Leamington player at the club, and bustling
striker Trevor Tubbard from Nuneaton Borough, and it can be seen that AP have
the makings of a powerful squad.’<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The fixture list saw AP kick off their Southern League
Division 1 North campaign with two home games.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They were to meet Wellingborough at the Windmill Ground on August 11<sup>th</sup>,
followed by King’s Lynn on August 14<sup>th</sup>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were away at Corby on August 14<sup>th</sup>
and then were due to play Kidderminster in a home and away fixture in the
Southern League Cup.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They had to visit
Redditch in the preliminary round of tbe FA Cup and would then go to Bedworth
in the first qualifying round.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The winners
of that clash could meet Hinckley Athletic, Stourbridge, Alvechurch or
Halesowen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Brakes had a bye in the
first round of the Birmingham Senior Cup. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">A pre-season friendly against Oldbury United on 4<sup>th</sup>
August saw Brakes win 2-0.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jimmy Knox selected from Jones, Taylor,
Brady, Shrimpton, Griffiths, Wilkinson. Hood, Lee, Goodfollow, Hubbard, Foster
and Yalbot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Any fans going on holiday
were urged in an advert to stop their home being ransacked while they were away
by fitting Chub locks, illustrated by a grinning burglar with his bag of swag.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>Wyn Granthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17473299774041779419noreply@blogger.com0