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.