Knox's summer of travail

Jimmy Knox was facing challenges in the summer of 1976 in assembling a side for promoted AP Leamington.   Seven of the promotion winning side had rejoined by the end of June but Knox was having 'slight problems' persuading the others.  In reality 'slight problems' was something of an under statement.

Knox also had no luck in his search for new players.  He failed to get the signature of three men he specifically wanted to help Brakes in the Southern League Premier Division.   Negotiations with the three had been taking place since April.

Those re-signing included midfielder Steve Lee, defenders Doug Griffiths, Alan Jones and Gerry Kavanagh along with forward Ivor Talbot.

Between the sticks Dave Garratt signed non-contract forms enabling the local keeper to play elsewhere. John Davis 'who performed so well last term coming in at a crucial time for Brakes, has got his reward with professional terms.'

Knox put his resigning problems down to the Labour Government's incomes policy which limited wage increases to £6 a week.   As part-timers AP players were only entitled to a percentage of that £6.  Hence, negotiations had been difficult with top scorer Adrian Stewart, Mick Keeley, Micky Boot. Roger Brown, Dennis Taylor and Phil Lines.

Brakes were due to start their 1976/77 programme with an away game on  August 21st with Redditch in the first round first leg of the Southern League cup.  Training was scheduled to begin a little later than usual in the middle of July.

Brakes AGM 'a waste of time'

The annual general meeting of AP Leamington Football Club in May 1976 'was a waste of time - and that's official.'  For with Brakes' boss Jimmy Knox failing to turn up on Saturday for this year's meeting, club president Bill Garner was forced to admit: 'It's vitally important that the manager comes to an annual general meeting.  It's been a waste of time today.'

Chairman Gerry Locke told members that the manager had been stranded in Rugby without transport.  Still some people at least came in for their fair share of praise.

Taking 12 months off from the club because of personal reasons, John Ackerman [whom I hope to see in his care home on Thursday] editor of the AP programme received this praise from Bill Garner: 'He's done a first class job and the club is deeply indebted to him.  We all look forward to his return.'

Another golden boy is Roy Maiden, Brakes' new commercial manager who heard Gerry Locke say: 'I'm sure Roy can really get going and inject some cash into the club.  He's the man for the job and we all wish him well.'

In the absence of Knox, Locke revealed that the club are in the market for three new players to bolster their Premier Division challenge next term.  He said: 'Jimmy is looking for a striker, a midfield player and a defender.  I can't tell you who they are at this stage, but I can reveal that two of them are very well known.'

On the club's financial position, treasurer Eddie Partington said: 'We're only £500 above what we were last year which in my view is a very small increase indeed when you take into account inflation and the rest.'