CCFC’s Manager, Noel Cantwell
On this day (14th December) in 1968 the Sky Blues, under ‘gaffer’ Noel Cantwell, were again struggling in their second season at the top in Division One and desperate not to concede a ‘double’ to visitors Arsenal, having lost by the odd goal in three at Highbury in mid October.
Bobby in the Sky Blue
Former Sky Blue hero, ‘Cov Kid’ and now CCFPA member, Bobby Gould (who was destined to become a future Sky Blue manager – twice) was in the Gunners’ side that day, though didn’t score. Today’s game at Highfield Road would see another City loss and this time ‘the Gouldfather’ did find the net for the only goal of the game!
ImageThe Gunners’ match, in front of 27,322 fans proved a carbon copy of recent home games with bags of enthusiasm and endeavour from the Sky Blues along with extensive first half pressure and chances spurned, even though the Sky Blues No.9 Tony Hateley mostly won his aerial duel with the Gunners’ giant centre-half Ian Ure.
ImageTypically, then, the second half tailed off and it was the visitors who would capitalise on a rare chance to take the points. Bobby converted Arsenal‘s only real chance, with twenty minutes left, with an acute angled effort after John Radford‘s shot had been blocked.
The ‘curse of the former player’ had struck the City on Bobby G’s return to Highfield Road!
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Neil Martin goes close
The Coventry City teams was as per the programme (above left) . Ernie Hannigan was later substituted for young Trevor Shepherd. All twelve players later went on to join this Association, though sadly all three Ernie’s, Tony and most recently George have since passed away.
The Gunners’ team that played in this game was slightly different to the programme prediction with Peter Simpson replacing Terry Neill, David Court introduced at No.9 with Bobby Gould moving to No.10 in place of Jon Sammels and George Graham replacing ‘Geordie’ Armstrong. The referee was Mr. R. Harper.
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The Sky Blues just survived (again) in their second season in the top flight thanks to three draws in their last three games. They finished in twentieth, just above the trap door, a point clear of relegated clubs Leicester City and Queen’s Park Rangers.
At the other end of the table Arsenal finished fourth behind the two Liverpool clubs and champions Leeds United.
Thanks to CCFPA’s Mike Young (& Dean Nelson) for sourcing the images.
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