On this day in 1925, a First Division match between Liverpool and Newcastle at Anfield became notable for its disciplinary actions. During a time when sendings-off were rare, Liverpool had only experienced two dismissals in their first 1,000 League matches. However, this figure doubled during the match against Newcastle. The first player to be sent off was Liverpool’s Jock McNab, who was dismissed for kicking an opposition player. Shortly after, his teammate Walter Wadsworth and Newcastle’s Tommy Urwin also received their marching orders. The incident escalated when Wadsworth made a hard challenge on Urwin, followed by throwing a lump of mud at him, prompting Urwin to punch Wadsworth in the face. It is said that McNab humorously remarked in the dressing room, ‘Bloody hell, has the ref started to send the directors off now?’
14th February 1931
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Valentine’s Day in 1931 marked a significant milestone for Watford as they reached the last 16 of the FA Cup for the first time in their history. The 5th Round tie against Birmingham at St Andrews drew a record attendance for a Watford match at that time, with 49,757 spectators. However, just two days later, Watford returned to League action in Division 3 South, facing Thames at the West Ham Stadium, which had a capacity of over 100,000. In stark contrast to their FA Cup match, only 853 fans attended. Unfortunately for Watford, they lost both matches.
14th February 1973
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In 1973, Bobby Moore achieved a significant personal milestone by earning his 100th cap for England in a friendly international against Scotland at Hampden Park. This match also marked Willie Ormond’s debut as Scotland’s manager. England dominated the game, securing a 5-0 victory, which equalled Scotland’s worst ever home defeat.
14th February 2014
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Valentine’s Day in 2014 saw a managerial change at Premier League club Fulham, with René Meulensteen being replaced by Felix Magath. Magath became the first German to manage in the Premier League, having previously won three Bundesliga titles in Germany. However, his tenure at Fulham was short-lived, as the team managed only three wins in 19 League matches under his leadership. Magath was dismissed in September after Fulham, having been relegated, found themselves at the bottom of the Championship with just one point from their first seven League fixtures. Despite his poor record, Magath is perhaps best remembered for his unconventional treatment of Brede Hangeland’s thigh injury, where he instructed the club captain to place a slab of cheese soaked in alcohol over the injury.