Knox: 'My head will roll if I fail to improve'

A disappointing season for Brakes in 1972/3 was confirmed when they went down 2-1 to Darlaston in the Birmingham Senior Cup final at Walsall.   Darlaston were described by their manager as a ‘Dad’s Army’ side.   The last league game of the season was away at Barry Town.   ‘Neither side was really impressive and Lockheed’s two goals came after mistakes by Barry’s second string goalkeeper Keith Williams.

 Lockheed always looked the more impressive.   Lockheed dominated the middle of the field with Micky Boot finding plenty of space to get his forwards working but their defence was very hesitant in the early stages.   Denis Walker continually harassed an overworked Barry defence and it was his persistence that led to Barry centre back Terry Davies conceding the first Lockheed goal after 22 minutes.  Both goalkeepers were rarely tested during the match, but Williams gave the game away on 61 minutes when he dropped a ball and Dennis Taylor had the easiest of chances.’ Barry snatched a late consolation to make the final score 1-2.  Brakes finished 15^thin the league table.

‘Lockheed’s success-seeking manager Jimmy Knox released three more players – making a grand total of 10 in five days.  Only six professionals are left but Knox remains calm: “I promised this club a first class team and that is what I intend to give them.  Goalkeeper Bob Steane, full back David Pyle, and striker Barry Whitlock are the latest to drop out as Knox swings into action.   Originally placed on the retain list they were released after Saturday’s shock 4-2 home defeat by local rivals Racing Club Warwick. 

Said Knox: “I wasn’t the most popular person at the Windmill last week, but drastic action was needed.  It will be my head that will roll if I fail to improve the position.’  Knox’s latest announcement means that he must find a new goalkeeper, a full back and three strikers for next season in order to put a side on the park.  The surviving six are full back Dennis Taylor, half backs Keith Shrimpston, Tony Bowden [who subsequently said he could not play] and Ernie Wilkinson and midfield men Tom Sweenie and Micky Boot.’

Unsurprisingly, Knox turned to his former players at Rugby Town to fill most of the gaps.   He signed goalkeeper David Jones, full back John Brady, defender Doug Griffiths, forwards Steve Lee, Jimmy Goodfellow and Norman Foster.   The only Leamington resident added was winger Ivor Talbot from Racing Club Warwick.  ‘Bustling striker’ Trevor Trubbard was brought in from Nuneaton Borough.

‘Craggy manager Jimmy Knox is sure of one thing – better times lie ahead at the Windmill Ground.  Knox, who regards skill as a bonus to hard work, has made it clear that anything Rugby Town did, Brakes could do better. “We have a fine ground and unlimited crowd potential,” he said.  “But now we have got to provide the sort of entertainment that will get the club back where it belongs.”

 Many critics claim that Knox’s tough approach will still fail to stop the slide towards soccer obscurity.  Rather than a trouble shooter, they say, the club needs a miracle worker.  But Knox will have none of this.  “We are professionals and as long as we work to our full capacity, there is no reason why Brakes should not mount a positive challenge next season.”   They were rebadged as AP Leamington in the close season.

Knox lets seven players go

In April 1973 ‘Lockheed manager Jimmy Knox released seven of the Leamington club’s 16 professionals in a bid to bring about a dramatic improvement at The Windmill.   And he admitted this week that it was “a most upsetting task.  Since I took control the team has given me everything, but it is obvious that new blood is needed and I have been forced to ring the changes.”  Players released are goalkeeper Peter King, full backs Mel Davis, Mick Cartwright and Steve Sherry, and forwards John Moreton, Graham Jessop and Dennis Walker.

 Of the players left only Barry Whitlock can be classified as a striker.  And Knox says that it is the front line that will receive most of his attention during the close season.  “There is nothing wrong with our defence – in fact I have been more than pleased with their organisation.   But I must find more punch if we are to make any impact.”  Walker’s omission from the retained list is the major shock.  He is the club’s leading goal scorer this season with a total of 18 goals in 43 matches.’   Another report noted ‘Don’t be surprised if Knox goes back to Rugby, now struggling, to strengthen the side.’

Having drawn 0-0 at home with Racing Club Warwick in the Leamington Charity Invitation Cup semi-final, Lockheed then drew 1-1 in the return fixture.   ‘Racing proved that there are several players in the Leamington area who would not be out of their depth in the Southern League.  And Knox, who had to survive on a shoestring budget at Rugby Town has already made it clear that he is keen to attract local talent to the Windmill.  “Racing were a great advert for Mid-Warwickshire football,” he said, “and I am convinced that there must be other good prospects in the district.  I would never turn anyone away and I hope that as many lads as possible will come to our close season training sessions.  I will give them all a chance to show what they can do.” 

Knox was also highly impressed with the social atmosphere at Racing’s Hampton Road headquarters.   Said Knox: “I am a great believer in this sort of thing.   Nothing is better for team spirit and it gives the supporters a chance to meet the player.  I certainly hope that we will be able to provide similar facilities at Lockheed in the not too far distant future.  

‘Racing Club chalked up a famous victory at The Windmill on Saturday evening in the semi-final replay of the Leamington Charity Invitation Cup.  Lockheed were out of touch in the first 15 minutes and goals by John Bull and Syd Hall put the amateurs in control.  But then Brakes rallied strongly and drew level through Steve Harry and Tony Bowden. 

Racing regained the initiative just before the interval, however, when Bull sprinted clear to steer home an opportunist goal, and Ivor Talbot clinched their success in the second half when he took advantage of another fine run by Bull.   This was an excellent record by Racing Club who showed far more flair than their professional hosts.  Much of the inspiration came from midfield man Ken Vale with Ian Montgomery and Hall – all three former Lockheed players.’

As a disappointing season drew to a close, Brakes pinned their hopes on the Birmingham Senior Cup final against Darlaston.

Brakes lose to Glass

 In early Apriil 1973 ‘Manager Jimmy Knox tasted defeat for the first time since taking over at the Windmill – and it was a bitter pill to swallow.  For Brakes ran Stourbridge ragged for over an hour only to pass up a number of useful chances and allow the visitors to snatch victory against the run of play. 

  A long throw from Pidgeon placed Lockheed under pressure within seconds of the start and Wilkinson was quickly in to clear the danger with a hefty kick to touch.  Lockheed’s first attack saw Moreton flash past his full back and put over a low centre.   But Shrimpton hammered his shot high over the bar.  Moreton and Whitlock linked to put Jessop through but the centre forward lifted the ball over the bar as goalkeeper Moore dashed out.  The darting Whitlock then hammered a shot only inches wide after Shrimpton’s through ball had split the Stourbridge defenders.   

Stourbridge, with 11 goals to their two previous games, were being given few opportunities and Lockheed’s defence offered a disciplined barrier.  The only goal was scored by dangerous striker Ray Haywood after 70 minutes.  Haywood, who had been given a lean time by powerful defender Tony Bowden, finally broke free from his shadow.  And as the ball ran across the front of goal Haywood moved in to beat Pete King with ease from 15 yards.  Lockheed then faded badly and the final 15 minutes saw Stourbridge gain a complete domination thanks to a no-nonsense defence that kicked for safety with the minimum of fuss.’

It was noted that ‘Lockheed are nearing the end of a disappointing season – but the Leamington club aim to capture two trophies before the summer months.  Their superb victory against Nuneaton Borough has put them in the last eight of the Birmingham Senior Cup.  And as the “big six” football league clubs will almost certainly refuse to take part in the competition, the Brakes will probably face West Midland League side Darlaston in the final.   Lockheed are the holders of this cup – they beat Highgate United last year – and they would be clear favourites against Darlaston whose last final appearance was in 1940.’

‘They are also in with a chance of taking the Leamington Charity Invitation Cup, a handsome trophy whose past winners include Coventry and Leicester.   Racing Club Warwick manager will see a long-standing ambition fulfilled when his side visit Lockheed in the first leg of the semi-final.   Bradley, who played for Brakes during their brilliant run in the early 1960s, said that a game with Lockheed would provide a valuable yardstick of his side’s progress.  

Racing chairman David Tierney said: “I do not think there is a big gap between the Southern League Division 1 and the Midland Combination.” During his stint with Rugby Town, Knox introduced a number of amateurs into Southern League football – and he knows there is a wealth of talent in the Leamington district.   Knox is keen to assess the potential of the district talent to see if they can bring the same local interest to the Windmill that he developed at Oakfield. ‘  The first leg ended in a 0-0 draw and Knox said: “Racing countered what extra skill we may have with sheer hard work.  They are a very good side - but we were not at our best.”’

Courtney scores again

Courtney Baker-Richardson scored for Crewe and provided an assist in their 2-0 win at Doncaster yesterday. Apparently he has the best goals to games ratio in League Two apart from two players.

Colby Bishop is also piling on the goals for Portsmouth, although he didn't score yesterday.

Brakes progress under Knox

Brakes were hoping for better times following the appointment of Jimmy Knox as manager in March 1973.  ‘Talk to Jimmy Knox on the field and you will find him soft-spoken with a realistic approach to soccer.  Ask him what he wants from his players, and he’ll tell you in one word – WORK.  And don’t the Lockheed players know it!   

Ever since Knox took over at the Windmill four games ago, the Lockheed players have earned their money – by hard graft.   They have not lost under Knox, and capped a promising fortnight with the midweek win over Borough in the Birmingham Senior Cup.  And they did that by combining their skill with sheer hard running. 

Says Knox: “I insist on fitness and the players are finding it out.  I was pleased with the way they worked against Nuneaton, but they were feeling the effects in the closing stages.  Players should come off the field knowing they have been in a match.   They should work on the field, and if they do, it’s half the battle.”  

Since Knox took over, Brakes have drawn at Bury, beaten Corby and Nuneaton, and drawn at home to Enderby.  And if Tuesday’s match is anything to go by, I am convinced the team have had almost 300 minutes of non-stop running.   For they applied pressure on a Borough side, even though below par, should have been capable of snatching at least a draw.  In reality, they were beaten by a stronger, better, more purposeful side. 

 It’s this attitude, instilled in them by Knox, which might carry Brakes into a far higher position in the First Division table next season.   As Knox says: “It’s no use just consolidating.   We must aim to do as well as we can in every game.”   And that means a lot of hard work in store!’

‘Jimmy Knox’s revitalised s Lockheed side tore Corby to shreds with an impressive showing at the Windmill.  Two goals clear at the interval, Brakes played with pace and fire to put an end to Corby’s promotion hopes.  It was encouraging for the new Lockheed manager, who has seen his side take three points from two games.  They ran themselves into the ground and with a little more steadiness would have doubled their tally.   Leading scorer Dennis Walker put them in front with a fine goal against his former colleagues after 36 minutes.  Walker blasted home after Barry Whitlock’s shot had rebounded from the bar.  And four minutes later Tom Sweenie placed a fine pass in front of John Moreton to hit the target from close range.

 Lockheed remained on top in the second half and Whitlock’s goal three minutes from the end was fully deserved.   The tall striker, drafted in to replace Graham Jessop, took full advantage of Walker’s quick thinking and beat Dennis Hill for a neatly taken goal.  Corby were rarely given a look in against a composed home defence and Sweenie and the aggressive Keith Shrimpston pulled the strings in midfield to lay the foundations for a promising success.’

‘Disappointing Lockheed boobed against Enderby – two penalties in the last four minutes enabling the visitors to snatch a shock point.  Brakes never got going, but were still good enough to ease into a 2-0 lead.  John Moreton rammed them in front on the half hour with a neatly taken goal.  Back-to-form striker Barry Whitlock capped a sharp display with a well-struck goal.  

Peter King conceded the first goal when ending a poor personal display with a rash tackle and injury time brought a second penalty when Mel Davis handled the ball.’

Knox sets out his stall

Prior to his arrival at the Windmill Ground in March 1973 new manager Jimmy Knox set out his hopes and plans   ‘So what made him decide to leave [Rugby Town] and join Lockheed?  “Insecurity more anything,” says the Scot.   “Town could not guarantee anything and if the worst happened, then the players could get fixed up easily.  But I would be left out in the cold.”   And what of the future?   Says Knox: “I hope to do even better with Brakes.  I have a free hand with a budget that’s a wee bit higher, and it’s a new challenge for me.  I believe the club has the potential to do well.”’

‘Any promises?  “None, only that if the players give me 100 per cent, they will have every chance, I can promise them this – that I’m a player’s manager.   I shall be honest with them, and I expect them to be honest with me.  It’s my job to get the players on my side, I stand and fall by them. The lads at Rugby did a lot for me, and I shall not forget it.  Now I start all over again.”

He starts by telling his players that there will be no “settling down” period.  “I don’t believe in it,” he says.  “We shall be approaching every match with the same idea – to win.   I am not going to promise that we shall be gaining promotion next season, but that will be the intention.   I am not a believer in saying let’s aim for a halfway spot and then consolidation.  That’s a defeatist attitude.  You have to reach for the top from the start of the season.”   Knox will spend the next few weeks having a good look at the side before he names his retained list.  “It will be my judgment and no-one else’s.   It’s now up to the players,” he says.’

‘As Knox moves in committee man Bill Branston steps down after four “reasonably successful” months as caretaker manager.  Branston, a former Aston Villa goalkeeper, who has stood in between Windmill managers before, took over from Geoff Coleman in October.   And he has guided Brakes out of trouble with quiet, sincere leadership that has placed the club on a much firmer platform.  Coleman’s 17 matches this season produced a grim record of two wins, five draws and 10 defeats. 

Branston took over and immediately ended a seven match losing run when his first team selection drew at Banbury United.  His full record is played 24, won 10, drawn 4, lost 10.   And Branston thinks it could have been a lot better: “Some of our defeats should have been avoided but I really think we have made progress during the last four months.  Team spirit has definitely improved and Jimmy will be taking over a first class set of lads.” 

Now Knox faces a comfortable run in of 10 matches – seven of them at the Windmill.  And Branston is confident that Brakes can win all the home games and end the season in a respectable position.   “I am pleased to be handing over to Jimmy.   He is a great bloke, a first class professional and a man who could bring about an immediate improvement.  I have enjoyed my spell in the manager’s chair but it will be nice to sit back and watch from now on.”’

 

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.”’