On this day, Stanley Milton made his debut as goalkeeper for Halifax Town in a Division 3 (North) match against Stockport County. Unfortunately for Milton, his first appearance was marked by a record-setting defeat, as Halifax Town suffered a 13-0 loss. This scoreline remains a record in Football League history for the most goals conceded in a single match.
6th January 1954
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Bill Shankly, who would later become a legendary figure at Liverpool, took a significant step in his managerial career when he was appointed as the manager of Workington, a club then competing in Division 3 North of the Football League. Shankly’s early days at Workington were a stark contrast to his future experiences at Anfield. At Borough Park, he was responsible for tasks such as answering the phone and handling the club’s banking. His first day at the club was particularly surprising as he discovered that the ground had no electricity, relying instead on gas-powered lighting and heating.
6th January 1974
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This date marked a significant change in English football as the first senior Sunday matches were played due to a three-day working week caused by a war in the Middle East. Four FA Cup Third Round ties took place on this Sunday, with the match between Cambridge United and Oldham Athletic being the first to kick off. This event paved the way for Sunday football to become a regular feature, with Football League matches following suit two weeks later.
6th January 1975
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Nottingham Forest made a pivotal managerial change on this day by appointing Brian Clough as their new manager following the sacking of Allan Brown after a home League defeat to Notts County over the Christmas period. Despite Clough’s previous challenges at Brighton and Leeds, his tenure at Nottingham Forest would prove transformative. Under his leadership, the club rose from a mid-table Second Division side to become League champions in 1978 and European Cup winners in 1979 and 1980.
Cardiff City experienced a memorable yet unfortunate day during their FA Cup Third Round tie against Queens Park Rangers. The match at their former Ninian Park home generated record club receipts of £50,517.75. However, the club’s financial gain was short-lived as thieves broke into the safe over the weekend and stole the entire amount, leaving Cardiff City without their anticipated earnings.