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.”