Members News: Seventies Sky Blue Defender Is 69 Today. ‘Happy Birthday’, Keith!

Keith in the Sky Blue

CCFPA would like to say ‘Happy Birthday’ to its member, former Sky Blue defender of the late 1970s, Keith Osgood.  Keith was born in Isleworth on 8th May 1955 and therefore is celebrating his 69th birthday today! 

Keith started out as an apprentice with Tottenham Hotspur in May 1972 having represented his country at schoolboy and youth level. He turned into a dependable central defender during his years at White Hart Lane (1973-77) eventually making 127 appearances and netting 14 time (ten from the penalty spot). After ‘Spurs got relegated from the top flight in 1976-77 the Sky Blues came calling and (now fellow CCFPA member) Gordon Milne signed him in January 1978 for £130k.

At the Sky Blues the central defender showed versatility playing in other back four slots especially as fellow CCFPA member Gary Gillespie came to the fore. His first team appearances were therefore limited by the competition and he turned out in the Sky Blue fourteen times in 1977-78 and another eleven the following season, chipping in his solitary Sky Blue goal in March 1978 in City’s 1-1 draw at Ipswich Town‘s Portman Road. It was no surprise he was plucked from the reserves and allowed to leave when struggling Derby County sought his transfer in October 1979 for £150k.

Keith in Sky Blue action caught on a trade card

Things improved for Keith at the Baseball ground where he featured in 69 games and netted ten goals between 1979 and 1981 in the lower division. Keith then moved on to Leyton Orient in December 1981 for another 36 appearances before trying a spell in Helsinki, Finland during the summer 1984 with HJK (Helsingin Jalkapalloklubi). He returned to the UK to sign for Cambridge United in November 1984, playing 35 games (one goal) before winding down his career at non-league level with the likes of Burton Albion and Stapenhill FC (both in 1986). He hung up his boots the following close season.

We have not seen Keith back in Coventry very much since he joined and would love him to come to one of our events especially now the Sky Blues are back in Coventry playing attractive and exciting Championship football!

In the meantime we hope you have a wonderful birthday today Keith!