Matchday Memories: On This Day 1995 – See Stunning Success At ‘Spurs Save Sky Blues Skin!

Big Ron

WGS in the Sky Blue

On this day (9th May) in 1995, with two games to go, the Sky Blues were one of many Premier League clubs nervously looking over their shoulders in the fight to avoid relegation. (Both men now fellow CCFPA members) Ron Atkinson was now in charge at Highfield Road with Gordon Strachan as his No.2 (the team having replaced Phil Neal in February).

The bottom of the table was crowded with City still in a lot of trouble after three successive defeats, two away from home at Nottingham Forest and Ipswich Town and also Manchester United at Highfield Rd).  A win today, once more away, against top ten Tottenham Hotspur was vital to keep CCFC’s head above water. Hopes were also not high because the Londoners had embarrassed us by four clear goals at Highfield Road on the last day of 1994!

Sky Blues Peter in the 1990s

It turned out that the 3-1 win at White Hart Lane, in front of 24,124 fans, not only provided ample revenge but also guaranteed the the Sky Blues safety. So many times in our top level history victory over the London club has been of great significance at key times! Of note is that ‘Spurs manager for this game was our former player (1982-83) Gerry Francis.

Today’s win rather stole the thunder of the farewell from THFC of their legendary German striker Jurgen Klinnsmann. Fortunately. the City defence largely kept Jurgen and fellow ‘Spurs striker Teddy Sheringham quiet! The Sky Blues Assistant Manager had a field day in London, WGS effectively made all three goals, a brace for Zimbabwean Sky Blue Peter Ndlovu and one for Dion Dublin.

Dion in the Sky Blue

First, two minutes after the half-hour Nuddy headed in Gordon’s cross and the score stayed at 1-0 to the Sky Blues at half-time and beyond.

Then came a Sky Blue five minute goal burst. On 62 minutes Tottenham defender Justin Edinburgh felled WGS in the box and ‘the Bulawayo Bullet’ put away the resultant spot kick for his brace. On 67 minutes Gordon was able to set up Dion for an emphatic hooked goal to make it 3-0. Darren Anderton’s goal for Spurs seven minutes from time was a mere consolation for them.

Thanks to our former committee member Dean Nelson you can watch the highlights by clicking on the image below:-

Big Ron’s boys lined up as follows (CCFPA members underlined):-

John Filan, Ally Pickering, David Burrows, Kevin Richardson, Brian Borrows, David Rennie, Gordon Strachan, Julian Darby, Dion Dublin, Roy Wegerle (sub. Cobi Jones) and Peter Ndlovu

Gerry Francis in the Sky Blue

Gordon, of course, later became CCFC ‘gaffer’ in his own right.

Gerry Francis‘ Spurs put out the following team:-

Ian Walker, Sol Campbell (sub. Stuart Nethercott) Justin Edinburgh, David Howells, Colin Calderwood, Gary Mabbutt, Darren Anderton, Nick Barmby, Jurgen Klinsmann, Teddy Sheringham and Gerry McMahon       Referee:- A.Wilkie

In the end therefore the Sky Blues only won one (the ‘Spurs game) and lost three of their last five games this season having drawn their last game with no goals scored against Everton at Highfield Road. This was enough to ensure safety in sixteenth position five points clear of the drop. Tottenham Hotspur finished seventh.

CCFC 1994-95 (early)

Blackburn Rovers sneaked the title by a point from Manchester United. The relegated quartet were Crystal Palace, Norwich City, Leicester City and bottom club Ipswich Town.

Thanks to CCFPA’s Mike Young for sourcing the images.