Jimmy Knox appointed manager in 1973

Would Jimmy Knox join Brakes as manager?   That was the big question fifty years ago.  At the end of February 1973 it was reported:  ‘Jimmy Knox, the man at the centre of a tug of war between Rugby Town and Lockheed, was keeping a discreet silence this week as the fight for his services went on.  Knox is currently player-manager of Southern League Rugby, but Lockheed revealed that he is the man they want to take over at the Windmill ground.  

The Brakes have been without a manager since Geoff Coleman resigned in October and since then committee man Bill Branston has been responsible for training and selection.  When Lockheed asked for permission to interview Knox they claimed that Rugby placed a “prohibitive fee” on his head, and the only comment from Knox was that “I am going to leave the two clubs to work it out between them.  Other than that I am not saying anything.”  But with Town’s football future very much in doubt – they have to quit their Oakfield ground at the end of the season – it may be that Knox will be interested in a move to Lockheed who have no such fears. 

Meanwhile the signing of Micky Boot from Kidderminster Harriers has pleased caretaker manager Branston.  The Brakes paid a “substantial fee” for the former Nuneaton Borough midfield man.  Said Branston: “We can now claim to boasting a superb midfield department in terms of skill and experience.  If Micky and Tom Sweenie can click, I am convinced that Lockheed will start to buzz.  We will have the best engine room in the Southern League.”    Neither Sweenie nor Boot fulfilled the potential they displayed at Leicester City and Arsenal respectively, but they are outstanding players by non-league standards and Branston is convinced they can lead Lockheed into the Premier Division.   Boot’s capture means a stylish boost for Lockheed’s newly-tried 4-2-4 system and Branston said, “I am happier now than at any time since I took over from Geoff Coleman.”’

In early March it was announced that ‘Rugby Town boss Jimmy Knox is leaving Oakfield for the vacant manager’s chair at Lockheed.  He takes charge of his last match for Town in Saturday’s vital Southern League clash with Atherstone at Oakfield, and will join Lockheed on Monday.   The move was announced today by Town director Peter Lutkin who said: “It is a big wrench for us to lose Jimmy Knox, but Lockheed will be gaining a tremendous asset.  He will do well.” 

There has been speculation over Knox’s future since Lockheed parted company with Geoff Coleman before Christmas, but he stayed with Rugby and kept them in the promotion hunt.  But their chances have faded recently, and if they do not beat Atherstone on Saturday, their hopes will have virtually died.’

‘Knox takes over at Lockheed on Monday with the pledge: “Every player at the Windmill will get a fair crack of the whip.” And so ends speculation – for the time being anyway – that half the current Town side will follow their boss to play for the Brakes.    Said Knox: “I have seen Brakes several times this season, but I am not going to prejudge them.    Everyone will be assessed on their merits.   If they come up to my standards, they will continue to play for Lockheed.  I am going with an open mind, and I shall not be bothered with reputations.”’