On this day (28th October) in 1972 the Sky Blues had a management duo of Joe Mercer and (now CCFPA member) Gordon Milne. A crowd of 35,304 was at Highfield Road to watch what became a full blooded Division One Midland derby between the Sky Blues and local rivals Birmingham City (fairly recently the Sky Blues’ landlord) and made for a vociferous tie.
Now CCFPA member Neil Ramsbottom made his Sky Blue debut between the posts for CCFC. The Blues had done their homework and stifled the home team’s forward threat from the likes of Willie Carr and Colin Stein (both also now CCFPA members).
In the same way, Brum’s much vaunted forward line which included Trevor Francis and future Sky Blue Bob Latchford was well managed by CCFC’s defence, especially Roy Barry and Bobby Parker (both CCFPA members). Fellow Association member Tommy Hutchison was a thorn in the away team’s side all game and Brum’s Tommy Carroll found himself yellow carded after a despairing tackle on him!
So, no goals at half-time, and a goal drought at full time was the fare for a crowd who, nevertheless watched an enthralling game.
The ‘M Men’ put out the following Sky Blue side that day. We are delighted to say that every single one of them (apart from the late Brian Alderson) later went on to join CCFPA!
NeilRamsbottom, Mick Coop, Chris Cattlin, Wilf Smith, Roy Barry, Bobby Parker, Dennis Mortimer, the late Brian Alderson, Colin Stein, Willie Carr and Tommy Hutchison
The Blues XI lined up:-
Dave Latchford, Tommy Carroll, Gary Pendrey, Malcolm Page, Roger Hynd, Stan Harland, Bobby Hope, Trevor Francis, Bob Latchford, Bob Hatton and Gordon Taylor Referee:- H.Williams
Brum had the last laugh in the return at St. Andrews in late March turning the Sky Blues over by three clear goals (from Bob Hatton, Bob Latchford and Gordon Taylor)!
By the end of the 1972-73 season the Birmingham City side had also fared better finishing in tenth spot in Division One. The Sky Blues season finished with seven successive defeats, the worst since 1924 and, fortunately, the slide was not worse and left the club safe in twentieth position five points clear of the drop.
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