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.