Lockheed face arch rivals Rugby

Lockheed Leamington faced Rugby Town at the Windmill Ground in mid-December 1972 hoping to avenge an earlier 4-0 defeat.   Rugby, under manager Jimmy Knox, were in all sorts of trouble.  The Rugby Co-operative Society had given them notice to quit their ground at the end of the season. They did not have the cash to fund a ground to Southern League standards, but the town’s Sports Advisory Council accused them of not doing enough to help themselves.  All this would have implications for the Brakes later in the season.

‘Lockheed and Rugby are arch rivals of long standing and the game bore the stamp of a typical local derby.  Though both sides showed flashes of skill and enterprise, the exchanges were on the whole almost entirely dominated by physical effort.   Close passing by Lockheed failed to pierce Rugby Town’s solid defence.  Although there was the usual amount of hard running from both sides, the first half failed to produce a goal,   Rugby’s early promptings bore the more cultured look and home goalkeeper King was twice called upon to deal with teasing centres.  

A brilliant through ball from Archibald then pierced the Lockheed defence and King had to look sharp to cut out Armstrong’s low cross.   Rugby’s early efforts tailed off as Lockheed managed to get the measure of their opponents.  Rugby’s defence had suddenly taken on a shaky appearance and they were lucky to survive when Jones missed Cartwright’s centre.  There was a lot of aimless kicking entering the play with Rugby looking a shadow of the side that had started promisingly, and Lockheed were no better.  The game badly needed a goal and Shrimpton almost did the trick with a drive which flew inches over the Rugby crossbar.’

‘The second half, in particular, was a furious affair with Rugby making all the running at the start and Lockheed hitting back strongly to finish a shade in the ascendancy.     Rugby swarmed into the attack on the resumption and Lockheed were forced into several desperate defensive measures.  King made a magnificent save from Lee, turning the ball over the crossbar for a corner when Rugby’s left-winger fired in a tremendous drive from the edge of the penalty area.  

Rugby looked like taking command as they battered away at the home defence, but it stood firm.   A point was as much as either side could have hoped for from this fast, but mostly untidy, Southern League game.  0-0 was a fair result as neither side was able to establish a clear territorial advantage.’

A report from the Borough Council expressed ‘mounting concern at the growth of night-time violence in Leamington.  The Planning and Works Committee is seeking support for a move to leave street lighting throughout the town switched on all night.  The majority of lights are switched off at 11.30 pm.  Councillor John Neville said the committee had considered the issue in view of the personal attacks that had occurred recently.  There was no conclusive evidence that poor lighting or the lack of it was a contributory factor, but it was felt that attacks and other crimes, were less likely to occur if the entire town was lit all night.’   All night lighting would add £2,500 to the £35,000 to the annual street lighting bill.  (£27,000 amd £379,000 at today’s prices).

Praise for Colby Bishop

Accrington manager John Coleman praises Colby Bishop in today's Football League Paper.  'Losing powerful striker Colby Bishop, 26 - snapped up from non-league Leamington in 2019 - to divisional rivals Portsmouth for a fee of around £500,000 this summer was a major blow.'

Coleman said: 'You can see how well he's doing at Portsmouth and you can understand why Danny Cowley was so desperate to get him.  Colby was always going to be difficult to replace - there aren't many players like him around.'

'He can lead the line, hold the ball up and chip in with his fair share of goals.  Trying to replace someone of his ilk is a forlorn hope - you have to reshape the team.'

Elsehere, Josh March scored for Forest Green Rovers yesterday, his third goal in three games.

Lockheed do the double over Tamworth

Tamworth were looking for revenge when Lockheed Leamington visited them at the end of November 1972, having suffered a 3-2 defeat at the Windmill the previous week.   However, ‘Tamworth, hard hit for cash, were forced to include four amateur players in place of more experienced part-time professionals.   Lockheed, who had changes at full back, forced a first minute corner and in a goalmouth scramble centre half Brown first blocked a header and then cleared a return shot. 

Tamworth showed some neat touches in their early approach work but were generally well held and it was Morrow that made their first goal attempt with a header that flashed just over the bar from a Deakin free kick.   Lockheed’s most dangerous move came in the fourth minute when Walker ran through to the goal line and put across a powerful low drive which Richards dived to cut out before it could reach Jessop.  A Tamworth defensive mix up let Lockheed through in the 14^th minute but Moreton turned a left wing cross just round the wrong side of the post.  Walker lost out to Richards in a long chase for a through ball and missed the best chance of the half for a score.’

‘Wing half Keith Simpson had hard luck in the 47^th minute when he shot wide after the Tamworth defence failed to clear a “Monty” Moreton corner.   Tamworth failed to take advantage of a period of heavy pressure at the beginning of the second half and were gradually forced back on to the defensive by a Lockheed side that took the lead in the 58^th minute through inside right Walker.  He latched on to a through ball by Ernie Wilkinson, beat off a challenge by centre half Brown and then coolly walked the ball round goalkeeper Richards and into the net. 

 Lockheed then proceeded to force the pace and could have extended their lead four minutes later when Moreton found himself clear, but he shot high over the bar with only the goalkeeper to beat.  In the last minute of the game former Tamworth player Graham Jessop hammered home a second goal following a short cross by Cherry in the penalty area.  It was a game which Tamworth deserved to lose.  Tamworth showed more method in their build ups, but in the end it is goals that count.’

It was reported that ‘Leamington traders are to band together to prevent hooligans spoiling Christmas shopping for their customers.  As soon as troublemakers appear, an early warning system will alert every shop in the town centre within minutes.   The chairman of the Chamber of Trade Jim Shears said, “One issue more than most concerning retailers is the increase in hooliganism, violence and downright theft.  Not a week goes by but there is a mugging in the town.  Gangs, particularly at weekends, are going round the shops with the deliberate intention of stealing.”

 Chief Supt. Dennis Fretwell, head of South Warwickshire police, said they were well aware of the problems facing traders.  “I find Leamington a violent town and I do not say that lightly.  You can rest assured that the police will do their best to stamp on trouble of this kind, but you will realise the police are acting on your behalf.  The community also have a responsibility.   This is a problem and if it is to be tackled, the police must have the support of the majority of the community.”’

 

Brakes progress under caretaker manager

It was reported in November 1972 ‘Since he took over as caretaker manager of Lockheed a month ago. Bill Branston has been quietly pruning his playing staff into a more compact squad.  Three players have left the Windmill – midfield man Gordon Roberts, winger Keith Jones and centre half Kevin Vale.  Vale and Jones, who both come from Leamington, have decided to return to the amateur game.  Jones is playing for Racing Club Warwick, while Vale is waiting for his permit to be confirmed.  Roberts, who has a lot of non-league experience, found it impossible to devote the necessary amount of time and is now concentrating on his business.   Lockheed now have 16 players on the books and at least two more could be on the move before the appointment of a new manager.’

‘Meanwhile, Branston is delighted with the club’s recent revival – they earned their first win in 16 matches when beating Tamworth 3-2.   The crowd was very sparse but Branston is convinced that if Brakes can score goals like the trio that deflated their old rivals they will soon regain the support of the Leamington public.’  Against Tamworth ‘Lockheed did most of the pressing, but were a goal down at the interval.

Tamworth went ahead after 10 minutes with a goal from the former Lockheed player, Tommy Morrow.  As the home defence dithered in failing to clear a corner, he dashed in with a firm header past King.   The visitors always looked dangerous on the break, however, and it took a great save from King to keep out a close range shot from Starkey.  But they should have been punished when Walker broke clear only to hammer his shot wide.   After half time, Jessop tested Richards in an attempt to get back on terms.  But Tamworth’s defence made it difficult to engineer an opening.   

A brilliant second half recovery swept Lockheed to their opening home win of the term. Brakes achieved the victory with a bright attacking display that makes a mockery of their dismal early season performances.   The visitors were floored by goals from Steve Sherry and John Moreton in the 75^th minute and were 3-1 down before Ray Holmes completed the scoring just before the end.  Leamington’s third goal was a fine effort with Dennis Walker running 45 yards before coolly smashing the ball past the on-rushing Mick Richards.’

Later in the month it was reported that ‘Three draws in four away starts have pumped some pride back into Lockheed and caretaker manager Bill Branston is certain that the club has turned the corner.  “We have  long way to go, but the effort put In in the last month makes me confident that Lockheed will again be a force to be reckoned with,” he said.   And Branston is happy to heap most of the credit for the recovery on to the players.  “They have given me 100 per cent and the spirit has never been better.”  

He picked out Ernie Wilkinson out for special praise.  Wilkinson was one of three players former manager Geoff Coleman put on offer during the Leamington club’s dismal slump and it was odds on the former Nuneaton Borough defender leaving the Windmill.  But Branston restored Wilkinson to the back four at Enderby and the lanky stylist played a major part in denying the Leicester side a goal.   Says Branston, “Ernie’s experience has helped us tremendously  during the past month.”

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.

Coleman quits as Lockheed boss

At the end of October 1972 Lockheed Leamington accepted ‘with regret’ the resignation of manager Geoff Coleman.  ‘A former Lockheed player, Coleman has been at the helm of the club since March 1969 when he replaced Syd Ottewell.  He was with Northampton for five years and moved to Lockheed as a player and was then at Rugby and Redditch.  

During his three-and-a-half years in charge, Coleman has guided Brakes to Birmingham Senior Cup victories in 1969 and this year, but the side has struggled to make an impact at the league level.  He started the season “with a powerful squad capable of pushing for the title”.  But a dismal slump has brought the team seven successive defeats and eleven games without a win.  And 11 points now separate them from the Division One (North) leaders.

Coleman admitted to being “shocked” by the club’s form.   “I honestly feel we are capable of a lot more.   But perhaps a new man can introduce fresh ideas to bring about an improvement.”  He says he would like to remain in football – “it is part of my life and not just a job” – and intends to keep in touch with the non-league scene.  It is understood that Lockheed will be looking for a player-manager. ‘

‘Coleman admitted “I made mistakes – but I have learned from them. “  And he insisted: ‘I did not get the success I promised.”  So the likeable Brakes boss decided to quit.  “It was in the best interests of the club and myself.”  He says: “It was an accumulation of problems which prompted my decision, but I firmly believe this club has the players with the talent to rise to at least a middle-order spot this season.”   

Coleman has seen his hopes and ambitions disintegrate in just over three months.  After building a side with potential at the end of last season he brought in five new players.  “And that was my first mistake – one that I shall never repeat.   We had built a tremendous team spirit, and with all the new faces at the Windmill ground, it was difficult to maintain it.    It is one of those things for which you cannot legislate.   But I will not do it again.  I now believe that once you have built team spirit, you can forsake a little skill within the squad.   That’s not to mean you shouldn’t get better players when the occasion demands, but five was too much.  

My second mistake was to try to do too much on my own.    I felt I was getting too close to the players, and I wanted to get away a little, and appoint someone to do the coaching.”   But Coleman’s plans were again smashed - even before a ball was kicked.  He had all but persuaded Harold Cox, a former Nuneaton Borough skipper, to join him at the Windmill ground, but Cox decided to join Tamworth as manager.  “That decision was a big disappointment to me.  Harold would have been the ideal man.  But when he joined Tamworth, I was left alone.  Our trainer, John Williams, was a big help, but all too often he had too much work on his hands in tending to injuries”’.

‘Apart from two Senior Cup wins there has been little success and Coleman takes his fair share of the blame.  “I don’t blame the players.   They don’t lose on purpose.   What they need is confidence in themselves.”  And so he leaves Lockheed – without entering into slanging matches, quietly, and with respect.   Now the way is open for a go-ahead boss who can woo back the crowds at Lockheed and bring them success.’

 

More woe for Lockheed 50 years ago

Lockheed’s poor start to the season in October 1972 continued.  ‘The gloom deepened at the Windmill Ground this week when Lockheed lost their last chance of salvaging something from their disastrous season.   For Lockheed – holders of the Birmingham Senior Cup – crashed out of this season’s competition with a 4-0 defeat at Rugby Town.  

Now with three-quarters of the season still to play, Brakes face the daunting prospect of being out of the FA Cup; out of the FA Trophy; out of the Southern League Cup; out of the running for promotion.   It’s a catalogue of catastrophe.  They are nine points adrift of the leaders of the Southern League First Division North, have gone nine matches without a win, and lost six in succession.  

So what’s gone wrong?  At the start of the season manager Geoff Coleman reckoned he had assembled the strongest squad since he took over at the Windmill.  And he thought that the team had matured sufficiently for him to introduce a more adventurous policy.   But some of his senior players failed to produce their true form, defeat followed defeat and confidence drained away.    

Though the Brakes showed more fight in their games against Ilkeston Town and Gloucester City, they were unable to halt the slide. There are undoubtedly some talented players at Lockheed, but now they face the uphill task of learning to believe in themselves again.’

For the away match to Gloucester City Coleman brought in former Atherstone men Roger Hambridge and John Moreton.   ‘Gloucester City, struggling second from bottom and in the heart of a domestic upheaval, seemed to present a likely opportunity for at least a point for Lockheed.  But at the interval the visitors were trailing by two goals.  Gloucester’s intentions were made known in the opening minute when centre forward Stevens picked up a good ball from Bird only to have his shot blocked.   

Lockheed hit back immediately with shots by Whitlock and Sweeney but the keeper Miles dealt comfortably with both.  Bowden was called on three times in as many minutes to save Lockheed’s goal.  Bowden cleared a shot from Stevens but in the 31^st minute Gloucester went ahead.  Corr took up a pass from Hargreaves and lined up for a centre to Stevens and squeezed the ball past keeper King to give Gloucester the lead.  In the 46^th minute Corr made all the running and beat two men in the penalty area before slipping through the ball that Hargreaves slipped in.’   Keith Jones scored for Brakes in the 74^th minute but the final result was 2-1.

House hunters were told to ‘expect to pay more £2,750 more (£29,000 in today’s prices) for an average three bedroom semi-detached house in the Leamington, Warwick and Kenilworth areas than they would in Coventry.  And in the more exclusive detached range, with five bedrooms or more, the difference would be as much as £30,000 (£318,000).   Figures put the average price of a three bedroom semi in Coventry at £6,500 (£68,600), £1,500 more than the Midland average.  But in the Leamington, Warwick and Kenilworth areas the same semi averaged £9,250 (£97,700).  Detached homes with five bedrooms or more in Coventry were listed at £15,000 (£158,300), compared with up to £45,000 (£475,000) in Leamington.’  However, a three bedroom semi  in Nuneaton would set you back just £5,800 (£61,200).