Lockheed face arch rivals Rugby

Lockheed Leamington faced Rugby Town at the Windmill Ground in mid-December 1972 hoping to avenge an earlier 4-0 defeat.   Rugby, under manager Jimmy Knox, were in all sorts of trouble.  The Rugby Co-operative Society had given them notice to quit their ground at the end of the season. They did not have the cash to fund a ground to Southern League standards, but the town’s Sports Advisory Council accused them of not doing enough to help themselves.  All this would have implications for the Brakes later in the season.

‘Lockheed and Rugby are arch rivals of long standing and the game bore the stamp of a typical local derby.  Though both sides showed flashes of skill and enterprise, the exchanges were on the whole almost entirely dominated by physical effort.   Close passing by Lockheed failed to pierce Rugby Town’s solid defence.  Although there was the usual amount of hard running from both sides, the first half failed to produce a goal,   Rugby’s early promptings bore the more cultured look and home goalkeeper King was twice called upon to deal with teasing centres.  

A brilliant through ball from Archibald then pierced the Lockheed defence and King had to look sharp to cut out Armstrong’s low cross.   Rugby’s early efforts tailed off as Lockheed managed to get the measure of their opponents.  Rugby’s defence had suddenly taken on a shaky appearance and they were lucky to survive when Jones missed Cartwright’s centre.  There was a lot of aimless kicking entering the play with Rugby looking a shadow of the side that had started promisingly, and Lockheed were no better.  The game badly needed a goal and Shrimpton almost did the trick with a drive which flew inches over the Rugby crossbar.’

‘The second half, in particular, was a furious affair with Rugby making all the running at the start and Lockheed hitting back strongly to finish a shade in the ascendancy.     Rugby swarmed into the attack on the resumption and Lockheed were forced into several desperate defensive measures.  King made a magnificent save from Lee, turning the ball over the crossbar for a corner when Rugby’s left-winger fired in a tremendous drive from the edge of the penalty area.  

Rugby looked like taking command as they battered away at the home defence, but it stood firm.   A point was as much as either side could have hoped for from this fast, but mostly untidy, Southern League game.  0-0 was a fair result as neither side was able to establish a clear territorial advantage.’

A report from the Borough Council expressed ‘mounting concern at the growth of night-time violence in Leamington.  The Planning and Works Committee is seeking support for a move to leave street lighting throughout the town switched on all night.  The majority of lights are switched off at 11.30 pm.  Councillor John Neville said the committee had considered the issue in view of the personal attacks that had occurred recently.  There was no conclusive evidence that poor lighting or the lack of it was a contributory factor, but it was felt that attacks and other crimes, were less likely to occur if the entire town was lit all night.’   All night lighting would add £2,500 to the £35,000 to the annual street lighting bill.  (£27,000 amd £379,000 at today’s prices).

Praise for Colby Bishop

Accrington manager John Coleman praises Colby Bishop in today's Football League Paper.  'Losing powerful striker Colby Bishop, 26 - snapped up from non-league Leamington in 2019 - to divisional rivals Portsmouth for a fee of around £500,000 this summer was a major blow.'

Coleman said: 'You can see how well he's doing at Portsmouth and you can understand why Danny Cowley was so desperate to get him.  Colby was always going to be difficult to replace - there aren't many players like him around.'

'He can lead the line, hold the ball up and chip in with his fair share of goals.  Trying to replace someone of his ilk is a forlorn hope - you have to reshape the team.'

Elsehere, Josh March scored for Forest Green Rovers yesterday, his third goal in three games.

Lockheed do the double over Tamworth

Tamworth were looking for revenge when Lockheed Leamington visited them at the end of November 1972, having suffered a 3-2 defeat at the Windmill the previous week.   However, ‘Tamworth, hard hit for cash, were forced to include four amateur players in place of more experienced part-time professionals.   Lockheed, who had changes at full back, forced a first minute corner and in a goalmouth scramble centre half Brown first blocked a header and then cleared a return shot. 

Tamworth showed some neat touches in their early approach work but were generally well held and it was Morrow that made their first goal attempt with a header that flashed just over the bar from a Deakin free kick.   Lockheed’s most dangerous move came in the fourth minute when Walker ran through to the goal line and put across a powerful low drive which Richards dived to cut out before it could reach Jessop.  A Tamworth defensive mix up let Lockheed through in the 14^th minute but Moreton turned a left wing cross just round the wrong side of the post.  Walker lost out to Richards in a long chase for a through ball and missed the best chance of the half for a score.’

‘Wing half Keith Simpson had hard luck in the 47^th minute when he shot wide after the Tamworth defence failed to clear a “Monty” Moreton corner.   Tamworth failed to take advantage of a period of heavy pressure at the beginning of the second half and were gradually forced back on to the defensive by a Lockheed side that took the lead in the 58^th minute through inside right Walker.  He latched on to a through ball by Ernie Wilkinson, beat off a challenge by centre half Brown and then coolly walked the ball round goalkeeper Richards and into the net. 

 Lockheed then proceeded to force the pace and could have extended their lead four minutes later when Moreton found himself clear, but he shot high over the bar with only the goalkeeper to beat.  In the last minute of the game former Tamworth player Graham Jessop hammered home a second goal following a short cross by Cherry in the penalty area.  It was a game which Tamworth deserved to lose.  Tamworth showed more method in their build ups, but in the end it is goals that count.’

It was reported that ‘Leamington traders are to band together to prevent hooligans spoiling Christmas shopping for their customers.  As soon as troublemakers appear, an early warning system will alert every shop in the town centre within minutes.   The chairman of the Chamber of Trade Jim Shears said, “One issue more than most concerning retailers is the increase in hooliganism, violence and downright theft.  Not a week goes by but there is a mugging in the town.  Gangs, particularly at weekends, are going round the shops with the deliberate intention of stealing.”

 Chief Supt. Dennis Fretwell, head of South Warwickshire police, said they were well aware of the problems facing traders.  “I find Leamington a violent town and I do not say that lightly.  You can rest assured that the police will do their best to stamp on trouble of this kind, but you will realise the police are acting on your behalf.  The community also have a responsibility.   This is a problem and if it is to be tackled, the police must have the support of the majority of the community.”’

 

Brakes progress under caretaker manager

It was reported in November 1972 ‘Since he took over as caretaker manager of Lockheed a month ago. Bill Branston has been quietly pruning his playing staff into a more compact squad.  Three players have left the Windmill – midfield man Gordon Roberts, winger Keith Jones and centre half Kevin Vale.  Vale and Jones, who both come from Leamington, have decided to return to the amateur game.  Jones is playing for Racing Club Warwick, while Vale is waiting for his permit to be confirmed.  Roberts, who has a lot of non-league experience, found it impossible to devote the necessary amount of time and is now concentrating on his business.   Lockheed now have 16 players on the books and at least two more could be on the move before the appointment of a new manager.’

‘Meanwhile, Branston is delighted with the club’s recent revival – they earned their first win in 16 matches when beating Tamworth 3-2.   The crowd was very sparse but Branston is convinced that if Brakes can score goals like the trio that deflated their old rivals they will soon regain the support of the Leamington public.’  Against Tamworth ‘Lockheed did most of the pressing, but were a goal down at the interval.

Tamworth went ahead after 10 minutes with a goal from the former Lockheed player, Tommy Morrow.  As the home defence dithered in failing to clear a corner, he dashed in with a firm header past King.   The visitors always looked dangerous on the break, however, and it took a great save from King to keep out a close range shot from Starkey.  But they should have been punished when Walker broke clear only to hammer his shot wide.   After half time, Jessop tested Richards in an attempt to get back on terms.  But Tamworth’s defence made it difficult to engineer an opening.   

A brilliant second half recovery swept Lockheed to their opening home win of the term. Brakes achieved the victory with a bright attacking display that makes a mockery of their dismal early season performances.   The visitors were floored by goals from Steve Sherry and John Moreton in the 75^th minute and were 3-1 down before Ray Holmes completed the scoring just before the end.  Leamington’s third goal was a fine effort with Dennis Walker running 45 yards before coolly smashing the ball past the on-rushing Mick Richards.’

Later in the month it was reported that ‘Three draws in four away starts have pumped some pride back into Lockheed and caretaker manager Bill Branston is certain that the club has turned the corner.  “We have  long way to go, but the effort put In in the last month makes me confident that Lockheed will again be a force to be reckoned with,” he said.   And Branston is happy to heap most of the credit for the recovery on to the players.  “They have given me 100 per cent and the spirit has never been better.”  

He picked out Ernie Wilkinson out for special praise.  Wilkinson was one of three players former manager Geoff Coleman put on offer during the Leamington club’s dismal slump and it was odds on the former Nuneaton Borough defender leaving the Windmill.  But Branston restored Wilkinson to the back four at Enderby and the lanky stylist played a major part in denying the Leicester side a goal.   Says Branston, “Ernie’s experience has helped us tremendously  during the past month.”

Lockheed seek new manager in 1972

Following the resignation of manager Geoff Coleman at Lockheed Leamington, the following advert appeared in the Coventry Evening Telegraph: ‘Lockheed Leamington Football Club require a part-time player manager/manager.   Write, giving full details and salary expected to The Secretary, 43 Greville Smith Avenue, Whitnash, Leamington Spa.’   

Meanwhile, Bill Branston was acting as caretaker manager.  ‘Bill Branston does not know if his reign as caretaker manager of Lockheed will last for days, weeks or months.  But the Brakes committee man is not allowing the grass to grow under his feet.  Within hours of his emergency appointment Branston was taking charge of a training session at the Windmill Ground.  And he quickly gave the players a chance to air their differences.  “I think there is a lot of talent our staff,” says Branston.  “But they have lost confidence in themselves and my job is to help them rediscover their form in readiness for the new manager.”  

His efforts to harmonise the 19-man squad paid a immediate dividend when Brakes gained their first draw in eight starts at Banbury on Saturday.  Lockheed were a goal down inside seconds, but fought back well.  “Their spirit in this game proved there is not a lot wrong that cannot be put right,” enthuses Branston, a former Aston Villa goalkeeper.  This week he allowed midfield man Gordon Roberts and winger Keith Jones to leave the club.’

‘In two traumatic weeks at the Windmill, Lockheed trainer John Williams has emerged as a vital steadying influence.  Williams was tremendously popular with the players during Geoff Coleman’s period as manager and caretaker Bill Branston has leaned heavily on his 100 per cent dedication to the club.     Coleman brought Williams to Lockheed when Syd Enstone resigned after a long association with the Leamington club.  And the former Nuneaton Co-op stalwart proved a talented trainer who is now playing an important role in the coaching of the side.  

Branston, who has been a professional player with Aston Villa, is the first to admit that Williams is a key figure as Lockheed attempt to drag themselves out of trouble.  “The players have reacted to his training ideas and the spirit is absolutely first class at the moment.”  And two successive away points after a run of seven defeats suggest that Lockheed have turned the corner.   Said Branston: “We must be realistic – there is a lot we must do.  But everyone is working really hard now and I am certain Lockheed will soon be making an impact.’

Results did improve somewhat, but performances were still below what had been hoped for.    In the match against Banbury, ‘Tony Foster headed Banbury into the lead without a Lockheed player touching the ball.   For the first 30 minutes Banbury were well on top.  Against the run of play, Lockheed scored when Jessop followed up to score after a Davis header was blocked.   This seemed to spur the visitors, while Banbury faded.   Lockheed could have snatched both points.  With two minutes to go, Jessop shot wide when Walker was unmarked and in a better position to score.’  

Away at Enderby Town, ‘Enderby dominated the opening of this match and in the first few minutes failed to take advantage of mistakes by the Lockheed defence.  The game faded away towards and the end and neither side looked like scoring.’  Following this 0-0 there was a 2-1 defeat at Kidderminster.  Away to Stourbridge, who had also won just two Southern League matches, Lockheed secured a 1-1 draw.

Coleman quits as Lockheed boss

At the end of October 1972 Lockheed Leamington accepted ‘with regret’ the resignation of manager Geoff Coleman.  ‘A former Lockheed player, Coleman has been at the helm of the club since March 1969 when he replaced Syd Ottewell.  He was with Northampton for five years and moved to Lockheed as a player and was then at Rugby and Redditch.  

During his three-and-a-half years in charge, Coleman has guided Brakes to Birmingham Senior Cup victories in 1969 and this year, but the side has struggled to make an impact at the league level.  He started the season “with a powerful squad capable of pushing for the title”.  But a dismal slump has brought the team seven successive defeats and eleven games without a win.  And 11 points now separate them from the Division One (North) leaders.

Coleman admitted to being “shocked” by the club’s form.   “I honestly feel we are capable of a lot more.   But perhaps a new man can introduce fresh ideas to bring about an improvement.”  He says he would like to remain in football – “it is part of my life and not just a job” – and intends to keep in touch with the non-league scene.  It is understood that Lockheed will be looking for a player-manager. ‘

‘Coleman admitted “I made mistakes – but I have learned from them. “  And he insisted: ‘I did not get the success I promised.”  So the likeable Brakes boss decided to quit.  “It was in the best interests of the club and myself.”  He says: “It was an accumulation of problems which prompted my decision, but I firmly believe this club has the players with the talent to rise to at least a middle-order spot this season.”   

Coleman has seen his hopes and ambitions disintegrate in just over three months.  After building a side with potential at the end of last season he brought in five new players.  “And that was my first mistake – one that I shall never repeat.   We had built a tremendous team spirit, and with all the new faces at the Windmill ground, it was difficult to maintain it.    It is one of those things for which you cannot legislate.   But I will not do it again.  I now believe that once you have built team spirit, you can forsake a little skill within the squad.   That’s not to mean you shouldn’t get better players when the occasion demands, but five was too much.  

My second mistake was to try to do too much on my own.    I felt I was getting too close to the players, and I wanted to get away a little, and appoint someone to do the coaching.”   But Coleman’s plans were again smashed - even before a ball was kicked.  He had all but persuaded Harold Cox, a former Nuneaton Borough skipper, to join him at the Windmill ground, but Cox decided to join Tamworth as manager.  “That decision was a big disappointment to me.  Harold would have been the ideal man.  But when he joined Tamworth, I was left alone.  Our trainer, John Williams, was a big help, but all too often he had too much work on his hands in tending to injuries”’.

‘Apart from two Senior Cup wins there has been little success and Coleman takes his fair share of the blame.  “I don’t blame the players.   They don’t lose on purpose.   What they need is confidence in themselves.”  And so he leaves Lockheed – without entering into slanging matches, quietly, and with respect.   Now the way is open for a go-ahead boss who can woo back the crowds at Lockheed and bring them success.’

 

More woe for Lockheed 50 years ago

Lockheed’s poor start to the season in October 1972 continued.  ‘The gloom deepened at the Windmill Ground this week when Lockheed lost their last chance of salvaging something from their disastrous season.   For Lockheed – holders of the Birmingham Senior Cup – crashed out of this season’s competition with a 4-0 defeat at Rugby Town.  

Now with three-quarters of the season still to play, Brakes face the daunting prospect of being out of the FA Cup; out of the FA Trophy; out of the Southern League Cup; out of the running for promotion.   It’s a catalogue of catastrophe.  They are nine points adrift of the leaders of the Southern League First Division North, have gone nine matches without a win, and lost six in succession.  

So what’s gone wrong?  At the start of the season manager Geoff Coleman reckoned he had assembled the strongest squad since he took over at the Windmill.  And he thought that the team had matured sufficiently for him to introduce a more adventurous policy.   But some of his senior players failed to produce their true form, defeat followed defeat and confidence drained away.    

Though the Brakes showed more fight in their games against Ilkeston Town and Gloucester City, they were unable to halt the slide. There are undoubtedly some talented players at Lockheed, but now they face the uphill task of learning to believe in themselves again.’

For the away match to Gloucester City Coleman brought in former Atherstone men Roger Hambridge and John Moreton.   ‘Gloucester City, struggling second from bottom and in the heart of a domestic upheaval, seemed to present a likely opportunity for at least a point for Lockheed.  But at the interval the visitors were trailing by two goals.  Gloucester’s intentions were made known in the opening minute when centre forward Stevens picked up a good ball from Bird only to have his shot blocked.   

Lockheed hit back immediately with shots by Whitlock and Sweeney but the keeper Miles dealt comfortably with both.  Bowden was called on three times in as many minutes to save Lockheed’s goal.  Bowden cleared a shot from Stevens but in the 31^st minute Gloucester went ahead.  Corr took up a pass from Hargreaves and lined up for a centre to Stevens and squeezed the ball past keeper King to give Gloucester the lead.  In the 46^th minute Corr made all the running and beat two men in the penalty area before slipping through the ball that Hargreaves slipped in.’   Keith Jones scored for Brakes in the 74^th minute but the final result was 2-1.

House hunters were told to ‘expect to pay more £2,750 more (£29,000 in today’s prices) for an average three bedroom semi-detached house in the Leamington, Warwick and Kenilworth areas than they would in Coventry.  And in the more exclusive detached range, with five bedrooms or more, the difference would be as much as £30,000 (£318,000).   Figures put the average price of a three bedroom semi in Coventry at £6,500 (£68,600), £1,500 more than the Midland average.  But in the Leamington, Warwick and Kenilworth areas the same semi averaged £9,250 (£97,700).  Detached homes with five bedrooms or more in Coventry were listed at £15,000 (£158,300), compared with up to £45,000 (£475,000) in Leamington.’  However, a three bedroom semi  in Nuneaton would set you back just £5,800 (£61,200).

Lockheed in trouble 50 years ago

Difficult times for Lockheed 50 years ago (originally written for the Leamington programme)

September 1972 was not a happy time for Lockheed Leamington.   ‘Lockheed boss Geoff Coleman launched a scathing attack against his side following a succession of poor home displays.  Coleman, who has seen Lockheed take five points out of six on opponents’ grounds, said he was “absolutely and utterly sick” after Saturday’s 4-0 slump against Bromsgrove Rovers.   Brakes have yet to win any of their six home games – four have been drawn – and the Leamington public have been quick to show annoyance at the standard of football being served up at the Windmill.  

The Lockheed manager, determined to lead the club to respectability this season, asked the fans for more support before the Bromsgrove game.  He wrote in the programme: “Encouragement and not criticism is the best way to help the players.”  But he reacted swiftly to the dismal display when he commented in Tuesday’s programme for the Ilkeston Town game: “I asked you to give the players a little help in finding some confidence to produce the form we have shown in away games.  After Saturday’s match, I can only offer an apology for the effort we produced.”  Coleman has been trying desperately to keep Brakes among the leaders in the Southern League Division 1 North, but unless they produce the home form to match their potential they will not be in a position to woo back the fans.’

The club was, however, suffering from a glut of injuries.  ‘Before the season manager Geoff Coleman reckoned his squad to be the most powerful group collected at the Windmill Ground for several seasons.  Hectic pre-season bargaining had attracted more men to the Leamington club, while 12 of last season’s squad had been retained.  Confident Coleman was even able to allow reserve centre half Kevin Vale to go on loan to Tamworth as Brakes set course for respectability.  

But in the space of five weeks Coleman has seen his squad severely depleted by illness and injury and he admits he may have to look for new material.  Goalkeeper Bob Steane, full backs Mel Davis, Steve Sherry and Mark Cartwright, defenders Keith Shrimpton and Ernie Wilkinson and forwards Tom Sweenie, Bill Salmon and Keith Jones have all be injured to stretch Lockheed resources to the limit.  And reserve goalkeeper John Davies drifted out of the scene after failing to make the team.  It was this latest blow that gave Coleman his biggest worry.  For the Nuneaton Borough cup tie he was forced to play Steane, although the goalkeeper was severely handicapped by a thigh injury.  “I wanted John to play but he elected to play with Dunlop and my other choice, Pat Brady, decided to remain loyal to Bulkington.  It placed a heavy burden on Bob – one that he should not have had to suffer,” said Coleman.’

Brakes didn’t get any joy at home to Grantham.  ‘Former Lockheed winner Dennis Benskin rocked his old club with two superb first half goals.  In the 11^th minute Benskin beat Brady with a stunning 20-yard drive.  Twenty-one minutes later, with Grantham now well in command, he chased a delightful through ball and shot home from the edge of the box.  Lockheed, who were seeking their first home win of the season, were unlucky not to cut the arrears when Jessop hit the post with a good header.’ However, the home side’s misery was complete when Grantham made it 0-3 in the second half.

Brakes manager Geoff Coleman was in growing despair at the beginning of October 1972 after a poor start by the club to the season.  The manager realised that Lockheed could not ‘afford to stay among the also rans.  For fans, right from the top of the Football League to the non-league world, demand success.  Brakes manager Coleman is to change his thinking in an effort to get results.

The Brakes’ boss has sacked three of his players – Ernie Wilkinson, Phil Salmon and John Brady.  And he is considering releasing three more.   He said “Men of their ability should be outstanding at this level, but this season they have failed to show anything like their real form.  I am simply cannot afford the luxury of paying men who cannot earn their keep.  I need men who can produce the goods, even if it means cutting out some of the frills.”  

Coleman signed Wilkinson, the former Arsenal and Nuneaton Borough defender, to add class to his back four.  And Salmon, popular during his spell at the Windmill Ground, rejoined Brakes from Gainsborough Trinity with an enhanced reputation as a maker and taker of goals.  Wilkinson has played in 11 of Lockheed’s 13 matches this term, captaining the side twice.  Brady failed to score in four games.  “None of them will be picked again unless injuries force me into it,” added Coleman.  Brakes are 14^th in the First Division table, and unless they can make a startling transformation in their play, they cannot hope to rise.’

Unfortunately that startling transformation was not evident away to Ilkeston Town on the first Saturday of the month.  Before the game it was reported that ‘Lockheed will be looking for Southern League points, but will be hard pressed to get a draw.  According to the match report in the Evening Telegraph, ‘Ilkeston opened the scoring after seven minutes from a free kick situation.   Guilson hit the ball to Ball who shot hard and accurately to score Ilkeston’s first goal in five matches. After 19 minutes Sweenie went close for Lockheed.  He beat Ilkeston’s player-manager Waller just inside the area and shot wide, sending goalkeeper Piggot sprawling.   Brown ran past the Lockheed defence but was halted by a fine diving tackle from Bowden.  

It took Lockheed until the 37^th minute to draw level.  Sweenie controlled a bouncing ball well, shot on the turn and goalkeeper Piggot was well; beaten by a ball that rocketed into the back of the net.  Ilkeston at first looked the better side, but after half an hour Lockheed settled down and repeatedly had the home side in difficult situations.’   Unfortunately, they could not maintain their improvement in the second half and lost 3-1.

Brakes stand firm

Brakes now have the best defensive record in the league after another clean sheet in the 1-0 win over Bradford Park Avenue yesterday.  The visitors tried to press in the closing phase of the game, but we stood firm and the Hawk admits that he was rarely troubled.   We are now 6th in the league.

There were chances we could have taken to add to the score.   Devon Kelly-Evans (whom I sponsor) was impressive.    Theo Streete was included in the Non-League Paper team of the day.

Disappointing attendance with only three from Bradford apparently, but good to see Keith Hancock back.

Brakes win the M40 derby

It was a good weekend for Leamington FC against the top two teams.   First they withstood the onslaught of King's Lynn to secure a valuable away point and then beat Banbury United 1-0.

Banbury adopted the fashionable practice of playing out from the back.  It's one thing doing that if you are a top Premiership side, another in tier two of the non-league.  Some of their approach work was good, but their finishing was not clinical.

It was a fairly even first half and we missed one or two chances, but finally Louis Hall scored a debut goal just before half time.

We were forced back a bit in the opening phase of the second half, but then recovered and held on for the three points.  The Banbury supporters kept directing a Onanist chant at the Hawk, but he was not put off.

Deserved man of the match award for Theo Storey.

The referee had a decent game, used his cards no more than he had to.

Despite concerns there was very little trouble but apparently the Banbury fans stayed chanting for 20 minutes after the game.  

I didn't expect that!

I expected we would beat Farsley Celtic this afternoon, but 4-0 exceeded my wildest hopes!  Just a shame we couldn't make the old five.

Danny Turner got a brace.  For his first goal Turner got the better of his man just outside the box and laid the ball back for Devon Kelly Evans, whose attempted shot found Jack Edwards at the far post. His shot was blocked, but the ball ran for Turner on the other post, and he rammed it home.

Brakes were 3-0 up at half time and scored again just after half time. We broke down the right through Simeon Maye, and he sends the perfect low cross in for Turner to slam home first time at the far post - no chance for the keeper.

Farsley then stepped up their game and the Hawk had to make the first save of the match.

Holleran praises talented youngsters

Paul Holleran has told The Non-League Paper he believes he can have a positive impact on some of the talented youngsters coming through the ranks: 'The main plusses from the season where the young boys coming in and doing well for us.'

'You look at Dan Turner, it was his first full season in the National League North and he gets 17 goals.  Dan Meredith, his first season, and he's been great.   Devon Kelly-Evans the same.  We have bedded in three or four really good young players.'

Holleran commented, 'As with anything in life, the longer you do it, the better you get.  I have seen things before, been in different scenarios, in tough times you can relate back to it, and use it in matches and moments.'

'I like to think I can be a calming influence and bring that to the players.   They are all good footballers, but it's that psychological and emotional difference.   If they can make good decisions and stay in control of their emotions, then they tend to perform better.   Sometimes you've just got to take it away from the players and deal with it yourself.'

Referring to players who have moved on to a higher level, Holleran said, 'It is a great motivation for younger players to come here, when they can see others have had a similar path and we have helped them get back into full time football.'

'People might criticise us for letting them go but we'll bring in players who have chosen us because they know what the move is capable of.  We take a lot of satisfaction out of trying to get players back into the Football League full-time.    The good thing is the players know if they want to move up, they have to do well for Leamington.'

He reckons it will be a tough and challenging season with new and well-resourced teams entering the league. 'The next step for us is turning into an established team, maintaining our position and gradually climbing up the league.  A lot of managers will be mindful that there are more teams going down next year.'

Victory!

Congratulations to Leamington on retaining the Birmingham Senior Cup, well done Paul Holleran and the team.  Let's use it as a platform for next season.

To my regret, poor health meant that I could not go.   A match report here: https://www.vavel.com/en/football/2022/05/04/1110586-leamington-3-1-stourbridge-brakes-secure-birmingham-senior-challenge-cup-at-villa-park.html

Semi-final victory for the Town

Unfortunately heavy rain which was at times ‘almost tropical in force’ kept the crowd at Old Warwick Road down to five or six hundred for the Birmingham Junior Cup semi-final against Bournville, a team from a higher level league. 

They missed ‘a great game.   The Town’s form against a team which is supposed to play a superior class of football was truly “an eye opener”.   It was not, as frequently happens in cup matches, a case of the bigger team’s scientific play being at a discount against the less clever, if more successful, bustling, kick-and-rush tactics of the smaller side.   Bournville had met in the Town a team quite equal to themselves in every department of the game and in some respects – forward work, for instance – their superior.’

 The visitors won the toss and chose to play with the wind in their favour in the first half.  Nevertheless, the Town had the better of the opening exchanges.   Pritchard on the wing and star striker Gathercole were working together well, but the first goal was scored by Reading in a ‘goalmouth scrimmage’.   However, Bournville equalised, Allcock’s dive being a fraction too late to make the save.   Gathercole was unlucky not score from a free kick outside the penalty area, but it remained 1-1 at half time.

In the second half, Town returned to the attack.   This opened them up at the back, but Jonas was brilliant in defence.    Only Waters was thought to be below par.  The winning goal was scored 15 minutes from time by Reading, again from a scrimmage.   At this the Spa crowd lost it and ‘there was an outburst of almost delirious applause which one rarely hears from a Leamington crowd.’    Looker On concluded, ‘I have never seen the Town play such a splendid game.’

Festive season does not stop Brakes progress

There were concerns about whether the players might over indulge during the festive season.  However, their performance away at Lord Street, this time in the league, allayed any concerns: ‘Judging by the way the Town forwards and halves rushed about, they must have rigidly eschewed the various good things with which we generally overburden our digestive organs at this period of the year.  Whether the Leamington team’s obvious superiority was due to their absteimousness this festive season I do not know.  At any event we know that boys will be boys, especially Coventry “bhoys”.  ‘Nuff said.

’The next fixture was at home to Cradley Heath in the Birmingham Junior Cup.  They were seen as being formidable opponents, having lost only one game in their league all season and having knocked out a team that won the cup twice in an earlier round.  Town started to kick towards the Municipal School end and ‘it was one of the toughest struggles we have seen at Leamington this season. 

It was not a brilliant or scientific game by any means.  What was the point of trying to do clever things with a ball that rarely bounced, and utterly failed to respond to those delicate touches necessary for good dribbling?’    The score was 0-0 at half time, but in the second half Town ‘had the better end for shooting’ and their star striker Gathercole pounced to make it 1-0.

Then disaster struck.   The outside right for Cradley had a violent collision with Jonas and broke his left leg.   An immediate collection was taken for him and raised £3-12-6d which was made up to £4 by Town players.  (Nearly £500 at 2021 prices).   However, Cradley then refused to continue playing and the match had to be abandoned, to the considerable annoyance of the large crowd of spectators.    The referee insisted that he had nothing to do with the decision. 

Cradley refused to concede the fixture and it had to be played again.  In the first half Leamington provided ‘a lot of clever passing’ and Gardner dribbled well. He might have scored if he had shown ‘more energy and dash’.   However, both goalkeepers were on top form and there was little to choose between the two teams with the half ending goalless.    

The crowd, however, remained quietly confident, knowing that Town were ‘great stayers’ and generally put in a better second half performance.    ‘Leamington gradually asserted their superiority after the interval and the ball was kept well within the visitors’ territory. 

 Town’s superior fitness levels decided the day with them winning 2-0.  ‘Cradley were played almost to a standstill at the end of the game and the poor backs had hardly a kick left in them.   The Town players, on the one hand, showed splendid stamina, keeping up the same fast pace throughout the game.’

The 1912-13 cup run, stuttering progress

Town drew away in the Coventry Nursing Cup, but then went down to a surprise defeat in the replay at home. The opponents were Coventry Y.C.M.S., referred to as the ‘Catholics’ who apparently wore a green strip.  

It should be remembered this was a period when many football clubs were started by churches or chapels or had religious affiliations.   The Catholics were the first team to win on the Old Warwick Road ground in the 1912-13 season and the Courier admitted that ‘no question as to which was the superior team’.

There had been something of a problem with Town players turning up on time for the start of matches, but ‘On Saturday the Catholics were the delinquents, their non-arrival causing the game to be 30 minutes late in starting.  The result of this was that semi-darkness had set in before the game ended, and it was only by watching the movements of the dimly-distinguishable players that one could locate the ball’!

The visitors were able to score two goals under cover of darkness: ‘It was during this state of atmospherical gloom that the visitors scored the last two goals of the match.  From the stand, it was difficult to see how these two goals were secured.  We saw the Catholics race up the field; some dim figures flitting about in front of goal; then we saw two or three players shaking hands with each other, and we knew that a goal had been scored.’

The report suggests that Town were worse in the first half than in the second and were lucky to go in 0-0 at half time.   Shortly after half time, they did manage to score, but this was the only time they mounted a real attack and ‘none of the home forwards were up to the mark’.   The scoreline could have been worse if it had not been for the efforts of the midfield, called ‘the intermediate line’ but even they ‘had their work cut out in trying to check the scientific assaults of the Catholics’ forwards.’

More cup heartache

They then suffered a further blow from the same team when they were beaten 3-2 at the Catholics’ ground in the second round of the Telegraph Cup in a match in which the referee seems to have been a ‘homer’. This drop in what up to then had been sparkling form had left supporters of the Magpies ‘flabbergasted’ according to the Courier.   The hopes of fans ‘had been raised high by the splendid strides the local club has made in the Coventry and North Warwickshire league this season.’

The Catholics seemed to save their best performances for cup matches, as their league form was much more indifferent.      A large contingent of Town supporters travelled to Coventry in the hope of a victory for Leamington.  Unfortunately, the team was struck a blow when Jonas failed a late fitness test and hasty changes had to be made in the line-up. 

Back to the Junior Cup

They then had a week without a match, giving them a chance to regain their form before they faced Lord Street at home in the Birmingham Junior Cup.   The Courier reported,   ‘The Town were in the best of form when they did start; in fact, I don’t remember seeing them give a better display.   True, Lord Street are not the formidable team they once were, but they still have a reputation for being good go-getters.  The Town’s victory on Saturday was due to the all-round improvement shown in the combination of the team.   There was a cohesion to the home forward line which was refreshing to the spectators.’   In other words, they were playing together more effectively.

The Courier seemed to be relaxing its normally restrained reporting standards, referring to one player by his nickname of ‘China’ and another as ‘Phil’.  Apparently, the dribbling was one of a high standard, but there were also some fast individual runs with the ball.    The ‘intermediate line’ or midfield ‘would do credit to many a team in higher football circles.’   Unfortunately, the game had to be abandoned some minutes before the end because of bad light with Leamington leading 7-1.  However, they were partly to blame for their plight as once again the players turned up late.

Leamington then had another Saturday without a match, before facing Lord Street again to play the abandoned match.  The ‘Lords’ put out a much stronger team than in the first encounter while Leamington were weakened by the absence of their star player, Gathercole, who was ill.

‘Neither team played a very scientific game, but the muddy state of the ground was not conducive to good football.   Play was of the ding-dong order in the first half, and it was very difficult to say which of the teams had the better of the exchanges.’   It was the visitors who went ahead, but Town responded by piling on the pressure.   They were making headway and had scored an equaliser when the game had to be stopped because of an injury to Checkley.  Although Town were unquestionably the better team, they only scored the winning goal in the last couple of minutes when the bulk of the spectators were already leaving.

The 1912-13 cup run, a good start

As we look forward to the cup final against Stourbridge at Villa Park, this is the first of a series of articles on the 1912-13 season when Leamington Town won the Birmingham Junior Cup at Villa Park.

Cups were also a challenge for Leamington Town in 1912.  In fact it was evident that the obligation to compete in the Birmingham Junior Cup caused some resentment among members of the Coventry and North Warwickshire league.    The Courier noted, ‘Surprising as the results of cup matches often are, one can hardly expect a Coventry and North Warwickshire eleven to obtain much success in a competition open to Birmingham Combination teams.’ 

Indeed, in the preceding season Leamington Town had simply refused to turn up for ‘a match at some out-of-the-way place near Birmingham’ – and if the destination was not near a railway station, getting there would have been a real problem.   However, ‘Looker On’ reported that  ‘Leamington Town are going to make a bolder bid for honours this year’.

They got off to a good start by beating Newdigate Colliery 5-2, getting revenge for their recent league defeat.   Admittedly, the Colliers lacked some of their regular players, but ‘they were smart on the ball, and showed any amount of pluck and endurance’, not surprising when your working life was spent down a mine. 

These are extracts from a booklet I produced on the 1912-13 season.   I will be pleased to send anyone interested the complete booklet free of charge.

Parade closure led to row 50 years ago

[Extract from my programme article for the Brackley game]

In a decision that has contemporary relevance, ‘Leamington Town Council  decided [in April 1972] to ring down the curtain on The Parade closure experiment.  Traffic will be allowed to use the central section once again.  The Parade between Warwick Street and Regent Street was closed three months ago to all traffic except buses.   This was an extension of an experiment which was originally introduced on a Saturdays only basis.

The experiment proved controversial and Councillor John Neville said it had created traffic problems in other areas.   Shopping in The Parade had been improved, but at the expense of other areas.   Councillor Williams said that the idea had originally attracted wide support, but many had now changed their views. 

Some members pressed for the closure to continue, including Councillor Mrs. Patricia Redmond who said she was against the chaos, fumes and confusion which would result when The Parade was reopened.  Councillor Hopkins said that in other parts of the town which had to cope with increased traffic, there had been opposition to the scheme.  

Alderman Swain said he thought they were being cowardly in not allowing the experiment to continue to early summer.  The Mayor, Councillor Stanley Birch, said that the borough engineer had been subject to a great deal of abuse.’   The vote to end the scheme was 19 to 10.

Plans to build a £1 million sports complex at Edmondscote were shelved.   The first phase was supposed to be a multi-purpose sports hall, but road access was an issue.    An alternative site at Shrubland Recreation Ground, but the impending reorganisation of local government meant that no one was prepared to commit any money.

'Flu virus and Leamington schools in 1922

[My contribution to the Leamington FC programme for the match against Darlington]

Education was the topic of the week in Leamington at the end of March 1922 and there were complaints that the Education Committee chaired by Alderman Flavel were spending too much money.   Controversy arose over payments to women teachers who had been off work for periods of up to two-and-a-half months with influenza.  [My grandmother died from the ‘flu at this time leaving my father without a mother at the age of twelve]. The amounts involved were around £3,500 each in today’s prices.  

Alderman Davies ‘asked if the teachers were hard up.  Ordinary working men and, in fact, almost everyone had to make provision for illness, so why should teachers, who were receiving good wages, be paid for the time they were ill.  Was it a committee to dispense charities?  He would even go so far to say that the teachers ought to be ashamed of themselves if they took the money.   What would the unemployed think of this?’  

Alderman Flavel  pointed out that the teachers had caught the virus while in school.  ‘Councillor Heatley remarked that he had heard Alderman Davis deliver that speech quite 40 times.   It was not policy to have the reputation of being the meanest committee in the county.   If they had such a reputation they could not get the better class of teachers.’

A cause for civic celebration was the official opening of Leamington College. ‘The buildings are not by any means new, having been used for educational purposes for a number of years.  The old school had been closed many times, and it had seen many days of financial depression, but not, alas, many of prosperity.  During the war the school was used by the Dover boys and called Dover College, but since they left the college at the end of the war the old floors have not responded to the clatter of schoolboys’ feet. ‘

‘What was formerly the chapel is now converted into a dining room for the boys, and if the schemes of the Governors mature, for the girls as well.  Temporarily, until the girls’ school is transferred to Binswood Avenue, the Headmaster’s office will be at the eastern end of the main hall.   The chemical laboratory is situated at the west end of the main hall.  Over the chemical laboratory is the physics laboratory.’  

Leamington Boys’ School had been established for 20 years, at first as a small school.   It had encountered many difficulties, but now had 200 pupils.  The Mayor noted that the school had a football cup and a cricket cup and offered to add a swimming cup. 

Alderman Holloway said that ‘Complaint had been made about the local Education Committee spending too much.  The control was now in the hands of the County Council and he hoped that ratepayers would have no more cause for legitimate complaint than before.  In the future, when secondary education was assessed at its proper value, people would endorse the action which the Leamington authorities were celebrating that day.’

Our eldest, now in her fifties, was a pupil in the sixth form of what was by the early 1980s Binswood Hall of North Leamington school.   The buildings now form part of an up market retirement complex.

Leamington made short work of a Coventry City ‘A’ team which visited the town for a friendly at the end of March 1922.   The visitors ‘put up a very mediocre display and deservedly lost 5-1.    From practically the start to the finish, Leamington Town pressed the City defence, and with their forwards combining in delightful style they gave their visitors an object lesson in the art of shooting.’

 

How to help the unemployed in March 1922

[Reproduced from my 'Way Back Then' contribution to the Leamington FC programme]

In March 1922 it was reported that ‘an ambitious scheme for the adaptation of Welch’s Meadow as a park and recreation ground is being contemplated by Leamington Town Council.  Alderman W. Davis has offered a sum of money, running into four figures, as a practical contribution to the schemes in which he is a prime mover.  If the project matures, it will mean that ornamental and pleasure grounds will extend from the west to east boundaries of the borough with attractive open spaces as the “lungs” of the town.   

One of the designs is to provide a nice walk for the residents of the Spa, this to run along the river side and to wend its way into Radford Road.  The river would also be widened, thus opening up a sheet of water admirably suited for carnivals and regattas.  The park would cover an area of from 24 to 25 acres, a site large enough to accommodate an agricultural show, and to allow of cricket and football pitches, together with tennis courts.’

Outdoor relief

The comparative cost of ‘outdoor relief’ in Leamington, Kenilworth and Warwick preoccupied the Board of Guardians at a long and acrimonious meeting.    Captain Percy told the Board that they were in arrears which could imply a considerable addition to the poor rate.   At present the rate was 11d in the pound [of rateable value] and ratepayers had considerable difficulty in meeting the demands.  In the last week for which figures were available £136 was spent on this in Leamington, in Warwick it was £13 and in Kenilworth £3.   This implied an annual figure of £7,124 for Leamington (£431,000 in today’s prices), £700 for Warwick (£42k) and for Kenilworth only £170 (just over £10k).

A range of views were expressed by the members.  Mr Gardiner said ‘Look at the difference in numbers. In Leamington there are 700 unemployed, and in Warwick there are only 400.   These people are unemployed through no fault of their own, and until we in Leamington can find them employment near home, there will always be unemployment.    The Reverend Broadway took a less generous view: ‘It looks as if something very extraordinary is happening in the amount given.   Something is wrong somewhere.  I have heard that cases are being dealt with very generously in Leamington.’ 

Mr Duffield took a contrary view: ‘If there are 400 people unemployed in Warwick and 700 in Leamington, surely we in Warwick are not treating our unemployed in a proper manner.  I consider that the relief in Warwick is inadequate.   It does not seem a case of decreasing the relief in Leamington, but increasing it in Warwick.’  It was suggested that a committee be formed to look into the matter, but Mr Canning pointed out that this would make no difference.  ‘”I take this as an attack on the Leamington Committee”, he declared, “and we at Leamington are doing our duty”’.

The supply of free bread

The committee then fell out over the question of supplying bread.   ‘The Leamington Out-relief Committee recommended that no tenders should be invited for the supply of bread and that bakers should be treated the same way as grocers and provision dealers.   Mr Albert England said that under the present system of contract, some of the people receiving bread in out-relief had to walk a considerable distance to the shop of the contracting baker.’  

Alderman Baker spoke about the virtues of competition and said that its absence might lead bakers to increase their prices.  Challenged by Mr Ballinger, Alderman Davis accused him of abusing his position as a businessman. An eventual compromise was that there should be no tenders for six months.

 

Referees called for early form of VAR in 1922

I have been unable to get to the Your Co-op Community Stadium for several weeks because of a minor but persistent problem that has impaired my mobility, although I am now on the road to recovery.

In the meantime, I am reproducing my contribution to yesterday's programme:

As I have noted in earlier articles, tensions between football crowds and referees were on the increase in 1922.  In the Leamington area the police had to be called on more than one occasion to evict spectators who had abused the referee.  It was also claimed that crowds had started chants which questioned the capacity of the referee to officiate.   

The Football Association was so concerned that they launched an overall review, but as a first step they decided to ban referees who wore glasses, following a number of complaints about the poor eyesight of some officials.   This caused some confusion at the meeting of the Birmingham FA. Should all referees who had been seen wearing spectacles be struck off the list?  It was eventually decided that it should only apply to new officials.

Writing in one newspaper, referee ‘Solo Whistle’ argued that some sort of X-ray machine might help to resolve disputes on the field of play, clearly anticipating VAR.    What was needed was some scientific means of determining what was intentional and what was accidental.  

Among the incidents where an authoritative decision was needed was ‘when a ball goes to hand, when a player kicks an opponent in playing the ball, and when a player goes down apparently injured, or may be only pretending to be hurt so as to give his side an advantage by temporarily stopping the game.  There is a wide margin of contrast in the attitude of different officials in cases of injury, or supposed injury.  One spectator writes describing an incident in which two opponents went for the ball together, one clearing the ball, and, as he drew his foot back, accidentally kicking the other man in the wind [sic], placing him hors de combat.   The referee’s attention was called, but he ordered play to proceed.  The ball went out of play, whereupon he called the trainer and had the player carried off.  

  I am reminded of another case in which a referee ordered play to proceed to the extent of the ball being worked up and down the field, passing the prostate body of the injured man three times before he called a halt after the ball passed over the line.’   Solo Whistle’s conclusion was that ‘Accidents are inseparable from the game of football, and are all in the game.’

In some cases referees were attacked by spectators.   At a game in Scotland between Tullibody and Tulliallan football clubs ‘the referee had an exciting experience.  Attacked by a spectator at the interval, he collapsed in the second half at the game and had to be carried off the field.’   The spectator appeared at Alloa Sheriff Court.  ‘It appeared that he was a supporter of the Tulliallan club, and was evidently dissatisfied with the ruling of the referee.   When the interval came he took the referee by surprise, butted him with his head, broke his artificial teeth and lacerated his mouth.’  It is no surprise that when the referee tried to carry on he collapsed.   The Sheriff told the defendant that he lacked a sporting instinct and fined him £5 or 30 days in prison.   This is £300 in today’s prices, beyond the pocket of a labourer.

The big game in Herefordshire in March 1922 was between Bromyard Town and Hereford Thistle, founded in 1885 and described as a ‘crack Hereford team’.   There was a large crowd which it was hoped would boost Bromyard’s ‘Shilling Fund’.   The home team played uphill in the first half and went 1-0 behind, the Hereford team winning 2-1

Was the Leamington accent 'appalling'?

Local accents were the subject of discussion in the Leamington Courier in February 1922 with local residents seemingly impervious to received pronunciation.    The Courier acidly remarked, ‘It has been said that the Leamington Education Committee never discusses education.   The members got within range of that subject, however, on Tuesday when they considered how to best improve the pronunciation of the schoolchildren.   “Appalling” was the description applied by Capt. H.P. Smith to the boys’ pronunciation of their mother tongue.   We certainly dislike the local account which converts “saw” into “sore”; but we must not forget that Warwickshire people not only “speak the tongue that Shakespeare spake” but that probably his accents are theirs.    It has been said of the great dramatist, “The Warwickshire burr is like an afterwards of thunder when he’s angry in his speech.”’

A deputation of the local unemployed had a meeting with the Out-Relief Committee.    The chairman of the deputation ‘frankly expressed disappointment at what had occurred.   The deputation asked the committee to state a single case where adequate relief was being given, but no answer was provided.   The Committee also refused to consider the adoption of any scale of relief.  Mr Allonby declared that the Guardians appeared to base their relief on the wages of agricultural workers, which in the district amounted to 31 shillings a week [approximately £90 a week in current prices], but the unemployed of Leamington had a right to be treated as industrial workers.  It was impossible to live as cheaply in Leamington as in the country.   “This only confirms the suspicion that the Farmers’ Union are behind this affair, they are trying to treat us like they did the farm labourer,” said the speaker.   Mr Allonby also said they got to very high words in places.  “I was told they weren’t deaf,” he said, “but I couldn’t help it.   I had got my back up.”’

The Society of Warwickshire Folk in London held its annual dinner.    Mr L S Amery said that the society was doing a great work in keeping friends together and keeping alive the old county feeling even in a great city like London.   It was a wonderful thing in this country how we were able to have many patriotisms, the patriotism of the county feeling, the patriotism of England and of the British Empire.   The Mayor of Leamington invited the Warwickshire folk ‘who are making their fortunes in London’ to spend their retirement in Leamington.

[Written for the Leamington FC programme]

Horse sense

 

The horse fan at Leamington has attracted a lot of attention.  Here is Shaun's interview with Talksport: https://soundcloud.com/leamington-fc/brakes-on-talksport?si=df5f2e615f7949cc9ed70679dc3633a2&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing

He forgot to mention that the horse could be a spy from Racing Club Warwick!

March's fantastic goal

Josh March scored his first goal for Forest Green Rovers yesterday in their 2-0 win over Stevenage.  Taking advantage of the absence of Covid-hit top scorer Matty Stevens he scored with a header on 57 minutes.

Boss Rob Edwards said: 'I'm pleased for Josh. He had Covid early on and he's found it difficult with the front two in such good form.  it was stop-start for him through no fault of his own and he's always the hardest working player.'

'It was a fantastic goal as he came short for the ball.   Kane Wilson's first-time cross was brilliant and March span and got in the box and it was a brilliant header'

Courtney Baker-Richardson was denied a goal at Walsall by a superb save by the keeper.