Charity Match Memories: 1970 – Bill’s XI Takes On Ed Stewart’s Showbiz XI
Here’s a matchday memory particularly for older readers and Sky Blue supporters! The date was 12th April 1970, the venue Lockheed football ground, Tachbrook Road Leamington.
Bill Glazier‘s XI was made up of CCFC players of the time and managed by Noel Cantwell. As well as Bill it also comprised Roy Barry, Jeff Blockley, (current CCFPA committee member) Dietmar Bruck, Willie Carr, Chris Cattlin, David Clements, Mick Coop, Ian Gibson*, Brian Hill*, Ernie Hunt*, Brian Joicey, Ernie Machin* and John O’Rourke* (all, apart from John and the ‘gaffer’, later Association members). *Sadly we have since lost the five asterisked Sky Blue ‘stars of the Past’.
‘Stewpot’ Ed Stewart‘s side contained celebrities from the world of entertainment, pop stars, actors from stage and screen.
These included singers Miki Anthony, Don Partridge (who had big hit entitled ‘Rosie’ in 1968), Brian Poole (former singer with Tremeloes), Jess Conrad and Leapy Lea (who sung ‘Little Arrows’). People from the acting profession were represented by Bryan Marshall from the drama ‘The Forsyte Saga’, Frazer Hines from ‘Emmerdale Farm’ and Norman Rossington (from the Army Game’).
Radio DJ’s David Hamilton and John Peel also made an appearance.
Frazer Hines
Actor Bryan Marshall
Norman Rossington with George Harrison and Paul McCartney when he appeared with them in the film ‘A Hard days Night’
The match was played on a very wet Sunday afternoon and was raising funds for the Mid-Warwickshire Society for Mentally Handicapped Children.
A full strength City XI side battled hard having just gained a UEFA Cup European place a couple of days before in a 1-0 victory at Wolverhampton Wanderers with (now CCFPA member) Brian Joicey scoring.
John Peel showing his corner taking skills in 1971
Bill’s team came out on top winning 3-1 on what became a muddy pitch. All those involved headed on to a local hotel where food and a few drinks were awaiting for them.
Two days later City visited Newcastle United on the Tuesday night and lost 4-0!
We all hope that it won’t be too long before the CCFPA Legends side once again are seen on a local football pitch!
Thanks to former CCFPA committee member Dean Nelson for sourcing the images
