'Brakes are Hollering'!

That was the headline over an article in yesterday's Non-League Paper.

Holleran said: 'It was probably never meant to be like this' referring to his nearly 15 years in charge. 'You probably think at the start I'll have two or three years at this and take it up a notch or two.  But there's always something going on here.  Every time I've thought the end could be near, something's happened.'

'It does take its toll when you're part time - there is a lot of work and prep each week and I've never really had a summer off.'

'We have a model that's worked for years.  You still need a little bit of luck.  Young players have come here because they've seen what we can do with youngsters.   They see that we can develop players.'

'We had to rebuild our identity in Step 3 and we're really fortunate a couple of players we brought in did really well.'  Referring to the National League North he said: 'It's tough, it is hard, week in, week out, but we love being back in it.  When you come out of the National League you lose lots on and off the pitch. It asks you a lot of questions, but at the moment we are finding the answers.'

Fourth defeat in a row for Brakes

At the end of September 1974, ‘AP Leamington, who began the season with such high hopes, were desperately struggling to find their form and consistency.  Brakes went down 2-0, and lost by the same margin at Bromsgrove on Tuesday night – their fourth defeat in a row.  And with the season barely a month old, Brakes are already out of the Southern League Cup they won so splendidly last term, and have fallen behind badly in the promotion race.

 It is a situation that would cause any manager to worry.  But Windmill chief Jimmy Knox remains convinced that it is not a true reflection of the side’s ability.  Knox said this week: “Naturally, we are very worried about the situation.  We have struck one of those patches where a number of players are out of touch.    But we are not going to panic.   We have just got to keep working hard and waiting for the side to click.  Make no mistake about it, we have a good side at AP.   I know it, the players know it, and very soon we are going to prove it. “

Brakes last two defeats produced the same score but the games were very different.  At Cheltenham, the whole side were woefully out of touch, and although the home side were themselves far from impressive, there was never much doubt about the outcome.   But at Bromsgrove AP turned in a fine team performance – but were far short of the finishing power that could have earned them a welcome success.

 It is this lack of scoring bite that remains Knox’s biggest problem.  Adrian Stewart and Mick Keeley, who looked so impressive in pre-season games, have got to find their vast potential as a double spearhead.   Knox called up young full back Tommy Tomkins – but although he fitted in well, Brakes defence was always under pressure.

Roger Brown and Tony Bowden were again prominent, but Cheltenham moved ahead just before the break.  Dave Lewis, who had earlier forced a great save from Dave Garrett was left unmarked at a corner, and he had little troubled in steering a header wide of the keeper.   Cheltenham continued to look the livelier side after the interval with ex Sheffield United man Tony Wagstaff prompting most of their dangerous moves.  And they clinched victoty from another corner, centre half Alan Jenkins finding another fatal gap in the AP cover.

Brakes’ defeat at Bromsgrove was, if anything, even more disappointing for more than matched their hosts in everything except finishing.  Bromsgrove’s attack boasts Tony Hateley, the much travelled, expensive and dangerous centre forward.   But he made little impression on Brown, Bowden and partners until the 21^st minute, when he was brought down in the box by Micky Boot.   Full back Jamie Toombs side footed the spot kick.   AP pieced together some promising build ups, but the strikers never looked like applying the finishing touch.

Indeed, it was Bowden who came closest to snatching an equaliser, twice moving upfield to draw fine saves from Hicklin.  AP’s hopes were finally squashed in the 87^th minute when Bromsgrove won a free kick 25 yards out and Mike Kenning blasted home a tremendous shot.  Knox’s most pressing problem at the moment is to field a goalkeeper for tomorrow’s FA Cup tie at Dudley Town.   Dave Jones is still injured and Garrett is getting married.’

First home defeat of 1974/5 season

‘AP manager Jimmy Knox was an angry and disappointed man on Saturday afternoon as he watched his side tumble to the first defeat of the season,’ 1-2 at home to Merthyr Tydfil in September 1974.  ‘And although Merthyr deserve full credit for their talented, positive display, it is hard to argue with Knox’s caustic summary, “We made it easy for them.”  

Brakes were subdued and sluggish, especially in midfield where Micky Boot never got going and Bobby Horne was unable to repeat the bustling form he showed against Witney last week.   The strikers were thus denied good service – and they seldom looked capable of carving their own openings.  Mick Keeley was caught in possession all too often; Ian Stewart produced his usual admirable work rate, but failed to put away two good chances, and Ivor Talbot scored a superb goal, but fell short of his true potential.

One has to look to the back for any AP heroes.  And here at least there was rich consolation for Knox in the splendid displays of Roger Brown and Tony Bowden.   The two big stoppers have already forged a fine understanding, and but for them Brakes would have been completely swamped.   Brown missed nothing in the air, Bowden’s covering was first class, and both players used the ball sensibly.  Above all, they showed the heart and commitment that was in such short supply among their colleagues. 

Brakes should have been inspired by the 20^th minute goal that put them in front.   The goal was as good as it was unexpected.   Stewart’s determined challenge saw full back Allan Smith lose possession on the edge of the area – and Talbot pounced on the ball to drive a fierce shot just inside the post.   A fine move between Keeley and Lee gave Stewart a sight of goal minutes later, but he pulled his shot well wide. 

 And Merthyr, who showed a refreshing willingness to attack throughout the game, finally claimed their deserved equaliser minutes before half time.    A free kick was flicked on and former Welsh international Barrie Jones calmly headed over the unprotected Dave Jones.    Nick Deaney was within inches of making it 2-1 after the interval.   And Allan Sullivan hit the winner minutes later with a magnificent goal..   Slipping past John Brady 40 yards out, Sullivan strode through the angle of the box and left Jones standing with a glorious drive into the far corner. 

Horne forced Richard Morse to an excellent save; the goalkeeper dived well to hold a snap shot from Dennis Taylor; and Stewart again shot wide after Rosser had misjudged a high punt from Dave Jones,   But it was Bowden who came closest to snatching a point, picking uo a throw from Lee and weaving past four men before he was finally blocked.

There was a full programme of football in the Leamington League.    ‘Champions Leamington Celtic triumphed 5-4 at Bishops Itchington – a vital win against a side who should prove one of their fiercest rivals for the title this season.  The game was full of entertaining football with neither side able to relax for a second.  Bobby Phillips, Whittle Wanderers’ close season capture, collected a smooth hat trick in the 7-2 demolition of Radford United.  Another hat trick man was Micky Palllis of Itchington Sports, whose smartly taken treble gave the Premier League newcomers a 4-2 win at Leamington Southend.’

Youth Cup offsets League Cup disappointment for Brakes

AP Leamington had won the Southern League Cup in 1973/4 but went out in the first round to Witney Town in September 1974.   The first leg was played at home and ended in a 2-2 draw.   The Courier presciently noted, ‘The Brakes will have to improve their finishing if they are to overcome Witney in the second game next Tuesday.   Leamington were the most impressive side throughout with rugged Witney making clear they were only interested in containing Leamington.   But the visitors took the lead with two opportunist goals against the run of play, and a touch of desperation crept into Brakes’ game before Ivor Talbot finally equalised.   

AP went close several times before going in front after 30 minutes.   Talbot shipped over a corner, Adrian Stewart met it with a splendid header, and Mick Keeley added the final touch.   Town drew level just before the break with a 30-yard free kick converted with a thundering shot and Witney snatched a shock lead just after the interval.  Brakes threw everything forward after this and eventually squared the game in the 68^th minute.’

Brakes lost 3-1 at Witney.  ‘This depressing result aroused all the predictable emotions in the AP camp – anger, sadness, frustration.  But the overriding reaction was sheer disbelief.   For whatever the scoreline suggests, the better side did not win.  Witney again looked a very limited outfit.  They were crude at the back, unimaginative in midfield, and merely hard-working up front.   But the Oxfordshire side boast two priceless assets that earned them a flatteringly high position last term and proved too much for the cup holders this season.  Their noisy enthusiastic supporters kept them alive in the first half when AP were threatening to run riot.   And in the last ten minute, they produced two brilliant goals out of the blue.   

As in the Windmill first leg last week, the goals were in complete contrast to the general quality of Witney’s play.  But they made all the difference, and provided Brakes with a painful lesson – skilful approach play means nothing if it is not coupled with positive finishing. ‘ Brakes went ahead in the first half through Ivor Talbot ‘who cracked a low left-footed shot just inside the far post.   It still looked AP’s game for the first 15 minutes of the second half’ but then Witney levelled, going ahead in the 86^th minute.   ‘Witney then fell back on their Windmill tactics, blithely booting the ball out of the ground at every opportunity’ but managed to score a third goal.

‘AP Leamington earned a place in the second round of the FA Youth Cup with a 2-1 win against Hednesford.   The Windmill juniors attacked eagerly in the opening minutes, and swept ahead when Hednesford were slow to move to a Rob Swain centre.  Paul Coleman calmly steered an unchallenged header into the corner of the net.  AP had chances to increase their lead, but Hednesford hit back strongly and equalised ten minutes from time. 

 Brakes  refused to give up the fight, however.  And they snatched victory when Malcolm McGreavy chased a seemingly harmless ball and hooked home a splendid opportunist goal.   This was a very encouraging performance by the new AP squad, and they are in good spirits for their second qualifying round tie against Nuneaton Borough, at the Windmill later this month.’

Brakes strikers impress

Brakes were at home to Bromsgrove Rovers In the Southern League in August 1974.  ’Mick Keeley and Adrian Stewart are two strikers cast from completely different moulds.   But they are set to emerge as one of the most devastating combinations in the Southern League.  Their partnership, forged at Rugby Town, developed at Nuneaton Borough and reformed by Jimmy Knox in the close season, was perfectly summed up by the 68^th minute goal that put Brakes in front. 

Stewart, a dashing, irrepressible young powerhouse, tore down the left touchline and, without breaking speed, clipped over a perfect centre.  Keeley, as ever, shielded the ball beautifully, turned past full back Jamie Tumba, before the full back knew what was happening and calmly slid a low shot wide of Chris Hooper.  Ir was a heartening sight for every AP supporter.  For if Keeley and Stewart can sharpen their complementary skills, no defence will be safe.   They could have shared half a dozen goals on Tuesday night as AP took the game to their rivals. 

But although Brakes were always the more inventive side, their build ups were hurried and jerky, lacking the fluency that should come in the next few weeks.   The twin strikers were well supported by Ivor Talbot, looking happier in his favourite left wing role.  He was always ready to take men on, and frequently dragged two Bromsgrove defenders to the flank.   Steve Lee was again the pick of the midfield men, constantly breaking up threatening Bromsgrove moves.

But Micky Boot was also impressive on his return to the side, adding a welcome streak of aggression to his polished ball skills.   Stewart, Keeley and Bobby Horne all went close in the first half, with Chris Hooper pulling off a great double save from Stewart after the centre forward had pivoted brilliantly to fool the defence.

Rovers were restricted to long range shots, the best of which was a 35-yard snorter from Brian Kenning that almost took Dave Jones by surprise.  Kenning showed his shooting power again after the break with a glorious free kick from the left wing.   The ball was streaking for the top corner until Jones flew across the goal to deflect it round the post.  

 But Brakes were looking more and more confident and Stewart twice reduced the Rovers defence to complete chaos before finally setting up the vital goal.  Bromsgrove had an equaliser disallowed minutes later when centre half Alan Parsons steered Tombs’ cross under the bar but the referee awarded a free kick for pushing.  And Brakes made certain five minutes from time when Talbot weaved through on the left.  His first cross was blocked by John Wood but he quickly pushed the rebound through to Keeley, who again netted with nonchalant ease. 

Bromsgrove, beaten by AP in the Southern League Cup final last year, went down fighting.  And they snatched a consolation goal in the dying seconds when Parsons again rose mightily to reach Keith Partridge’s corner, and Alan Craddock scrambled the ball home.’   Following Jimmy Knox’s appeal for fans to support the side, the attendance of 382 was disappointing.

 

 

Knox appeals to fans to turn up

Previewing the 1974/5 season, ‘AP Leamington manager Jimmy Knoc is convinced his side can fulfil their reach potential - if they get the support of the Leamington public.  “I don’t believe in making rash promises or predictions,” said the rugged Scot, “but I am sure we can build on the success we achieved last season.  The lads proved they have got what it takes when we won the Southern League Cup.  And we can do better.  

But I would be far more confident if a big crowd turned up at the Windmill for our first home game against Kings Lynn.  Atmosphere makes all the difference in the world to players at every level of the game.  If the lads get a good crowd behind them, they will respond.   I make this appeal to the fans of Leamington.  Come and have a look at us.  I think you’ll find it worthwhile.”

 Brakes’ gates have certainly been depressing in recent years – and the situation could rapidly reach crisis point.   The whole future of non-league football has been thrown into the melting pot and clubs like AP are in danger of being left out in the cold.   Brakes are at the crossroads.  And this season could very well decide if they are to reach new heights or dwindle into obscurity.  I feel sure that Knox’s current squad can achieve its immediate objective = promotion to the Premier Division of the Southern League.  If they do – and they can attract the missing fans back to the Windmill – their future is assured. 

Knox received an unexpected pre-season boost this week when midfield star Micky Boot reported for training.   Boot said he was quitting professional football at the end of last season = he was bitterly disappointed to lose his place in the Brakes line-up after breaking a leg in January.  But he has clearly changed his mind – and Kmox is delighted to have him back in the AP squad.  “I’ve always had tremendous admiration for Micky’s skills,” said the Windmill chief, “and it would be a great boost for us if he could recapture his enthusiasm for the game.   He’ll have to work hard – but he’ll be given every chance to prove himself.”

 Having lost Jimmy Goodfellow, Keith Shrimpston and Tom Sweenie, Knox was looking for players to strengthen his midfield department.  Any worries on that score will be greatly reduced if Boot can settle down at Leamington.   Boot now has another chance, perhaps his last, to confirm his playing pedigree.   For some time, his undoubted talent has been constrained by a suspect temperament.  Perhaps the Windmill crowd will soon be treated to regular displays of the skill that made him a teenage star at Arsenal.’

‘AP Leamington thrashed Nuneaton Borough for the second time in six months on Saturday, claiming the Sir Jack Scamp cup in a 3-0 win.  The margin was the same as at Manor Park in March, when Brakes destroyed Borough’s Southern League Cup chances with a deadly three-goal burst in the dying minutes. But this time, AP wasted no time in humbling their Premier Division rivals.  They snatched the initiative with two goals in the first eight minutes.’   Both the opening goals were scored by Neil Armstrong, ‘an unpredictable player but very effective on his day.’  Keeley scored a third goal before half time, but the Brakes midfield faded in the second half.

Knox faced team building challenges 50 years ago

As he faced the 1974/5 season AP manager Jimmy Knox had to deal with ‘some close season blows in his team building plans with three key players deciding to resign.  Midfield man Micky Boot has decided to give up professional soccer to play in a local league; Jimmy Goodfellow has retired and leading striker Norman Fowler has left for business reasons.   New signings include former Highgate striker Mick Keeley, who has moved from Nuneaton Borough.’

 One response was to field a youth side with an under 19 trial taking place at the Windmill Ground.  ‘The young Brakes, to be managed by former St. Peter’s Celtic playing chief Ted Forde, have been accepted by the Birmingham County Floodlit League.   And the Leamington club has made it clear that boys willing to support the team in mid-week will be free to join their own clubs at weekends.’

At the beginning of August fans had the chance to see ‘Jimmy Knox’s new look squad entertain Stafford Rangers.   With Keith Hampton leaving the Windmill to join Cinderford Town, Knox was waiting for one signature – that of centre half Doug Griffiths.   Knox may well call up Chris Hine, s starter for Valley Sports last season.    He said, “Chris is a very promising young player and he will be given the chance to show what he can do in the pre-season friendlies.”’

‘Ivor Talbot, the local boy who made good with AP Leamington last season, has been given a vital new midfield role this term.   Talbot played in this position in the warm-up friendlies against Stafford and Alcester – and manager Jimmy Knox was delighted with his displays.  “He looked as if he had been playing there for years,” said Knox.  “He’ll open the season in that positon.”

 If Talbot can establish himself in his new role, he will solve Knox’s biggest problem – the gap left by the departure of former First Division stars Jimmy Goodfellow, Tom Sweenie and Micky Boot.     Talbot will play alongside Brakes’ skipper Steve Lee.  And Dave Scriggins, the close season signing from Enderby, will probably occupy the third midfield berth.   With Talbot playing deeper, Knox will rely on Neil Armstrong to supply the wing service for twin strikers Mick Keeley and Adrian Stewart. ‘

‘While the forward positions seem to be more or less settled, there will obviously be a keen battle for places in the back four.   Last season, Knox tried Tony Bowden, Ernie Wilkinson and Doug Griffiths in various combinations at the heart of the defence.   Now there is a fourth candidate in big Roger Brown, whose power in the air was a feature of the Stafford match.    Knox’s final perming will certainly be one of the most interesting – and important decisions of the season,’

‘Brakes were given a good workout by Stafford, although neither side managed to score.  Stewart beat three men in a fine run before shooting wide; Keeley forced Arnold into an excellent save; and Armstrong shot over from Talbot’s finally judged cross.   The midweek match at Alcester was, in contrast, a gentle canter.   Goals by Lee (2), Stewart (2), Keeley and Talbot (penalty), put paid to the Midland Combination side.’