Committee Members News: Our President Is 69 Today – ‘Many Happy Returns’, Kirk!!

Kirk in the Sky Blue

All at the Association send our best ‘Birthday Greetings’ for today to our Association President Kirk Stephens. A ‘Coventry Kid’, born on 27th February 1955, Kirk has been ‘El Presidente‘ of the Association since its formation in 2006 and has been an inspiration for CCFPA’s continuing development and success. Unbelievably he will be celebrating his 69th birthday today!

Now & Then. Former Sky Blues Kirk & Jake Findlay playing at Luton

Kirk has always got heavily involved in CCFPA ‘set piece events’ like Legends Days and Golf Days. He has also been a big supporter of the activities in the club’s Family Zone. In the past he has regularly done a ‘special guest’ stint at Sky Blues Ricoh/CBS Arena home games. We reported a few years ago (bottom left) that, together with CCFPA committee member Dave Bennett, he started off the historic ‘Atherstone Ball Game’.

For the record, Kirk was actually turned down by CCFC as a youngster because he was thought not yet ready for top level football and so started his playing career with Nuneaton Borough under manager David Pleat.

A recent reunion of some of the ‘Boys of 87’ with Kirk 2nd left on back row

He then moved with Pleat when he took over the reins at Luton Town in 1978. At Kenilworth Road he accumulated nearly 250 appearances (and a couple of goals) with the Hatters and became a firm favourite as an attacking full back.

In 1984 he was overjoyed to be brought back to his home-town by another former Caludon Castle schoolboy, ‘Cov kid’ (and fellow CCFPA member) Bobby Gould (with Ashley Grimes going in the opposite direction) At Highfield Road he made his first division debut against Aston Villa in August 1984. However, his top level career was unfortunately curtailed by a severe knee injury in May 1986 after only 37 Sky Blues appearances (and a brace of goals).

Benno & Kirk admire the Atherstone ball!

Sadly, he missed out on the successful F.A.Cup winning campaign of the following season, though he keeps in regular touch with the ‘Boys of ’87’.

Between 1987-89 Kirk did play at non-league level with the likes of Barnet, Stockingford and Nuneaton Borough where he eventually became player-manager before hanging up his boots (and later he became a director there).

Kirk retains business interests in the locality and has also done some coaching with City Academy junior teams in the past too.

We are sure you will make sure you have a wonderful day today Kirk!