Previewing the 1974/5 season, ‘AP Leamington manager Jimmy Knoc is convinced his side can fulfil their reach potential - if they get the support of the Leamington public. “I don’t believe in making rash promises or predictions,” said the rugged Scot, “but I am sure we can build on the success we achieved last season. The lads proved they have got what it takes when we won the Southern League Cup. And we can do better.
But I would be far more confident if a big crowd turned up at the Windmill for our first home game against Kings Lynn. Atmosphere makes all the difference in the world to players at every level of the game. If the lads get a good crowd behind them, they will respond. I make this appeal to the fans of Leamington. Come and have a look at us. I think you’ll find it worthwhile.”
Brakes’ gates have certainly
been depressing in recent years – and the situation could rapidly reach crisis
point. The whole future of non-league
football has been thrown into the melting pot and clubs like AP are in danger
of being left out in the cold. Brakes
are at the crossroads. And this season
could very well decide if they are to reach new heights or dwindle into
obscurity. I feel sure that Knox’s
current squad can achieve its immediate objective = promotion to the Premier
Division of the Southern League. If they
do – and they can attract the missing fans back to the Windmill – their future
is assured.
Knox received an unexpected pre-season boost this week when
midfield star Micky Boot reported for training. Boot said he was quitting professional
football at the end of last season = he was bitterly disappointed to lose his
place in the Brakes line-up after breaking a leg in January. But he has clearly changed his mind – and
Kmox is delighted to have him back in the AP squad. “I’ve always had tremendous admiration for
Micky’s skills,” said the Windmill chief, “and it would be a great boost for us
if he could recapture his enthusiasm for the game. He’ll have to work hard – but he’ll be given
every chance to prove himself.”
Having lost Jimmy
Goodfellow, Keith Shrimpston and Tom Sweenie, Knox was looking for players to
strengthen his midfield department. Any
worries on that score will be greatly reduced if Boot can settle down at
Leamington. Boot now has another
chance, perhaps his last, to confirm his playing pedigree. For some time, his undoubted talent has been
constrained by a suspect temperament.
Perhaps the Windmill crowd will soon be treated to regular displays of
the skill that made him a teenage star at Arsenal.’
‘AP Leamington thrashed Nuneaton Borough for the second time
in six months on Saturday, claiming the Sir Jack Scamp cup in a 3-0 win. The margin was the same as at Manor Park in
March, when Brakes destroyed Borough’s Southern League Cup chances with a
deadly three-goal burst in the dying minutes. But this time, AP wasted no time
in humbling their Premier Division rivals.
They snatched the initiative with two goals in the first eight
minutes.’ Both the opening goals were
scored by Neil Armstrong, ‘an unpredictable player but very effective on his
day.’ Keeley scored a third goal before
half time, but the Brakes midfield faded in the second half.
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