Ernie Machin
Maurice in the Sky Blue
On this day fifty seven years ago (16th March 1968) a massive 47,111 spectators packed into Highfield Road for the visit of Division One champions, the star studded Manchester United side. Back in late October the Sky Blues suffered what turned out to be their worst defeat of the season, a 4-0 drubbing at Old Trafford, so knew this would be a tough game.
This was the Sky Blues first ever (and very eventful) season in the top flight as Noel Cantwell had taken over from the late great Jimmy Hill in the gaffer’s chair earlier in the season.
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‘Our Bill’ is not happy with Nobby Stiles
The size of the crowd accommodated on this day (our second biggest ever) was a terrific achievement given the major destruction by fire of the main stand the previous week. The club lost records, trophies and kit in the conflagration and consequently City wore a new style kit for the game. All of this team later went on to join CCFPA we are pleased to report!
In the event United were pipped to the Champions title by their Mancunian rivals Manchester City by a two point margin. The Sky Blues managed to stay a point above the drop zone in twentieth spot and lived to fight again in the top flight for a total of 34 unbroken seasons. Sheffield United and Fulham suffered the indignity of relegation
Thanks to former CCFPA committee member Dean Nelson for sourcing the graphic and to CCFPA’sMike Young the images.