Members News: Our Former Sky Blue ‘Keeper Is 74 Today. ‘Happy Birthday’ Bryan!!

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Bryan King in Sky Blue green

CCFPA wishes ‘Happy Birthday’ to its member, former Sky Blue goalie from 1975-77, Bryan King. Bryan was born in Bishop’s Stortford on 18th April 1947 so is celebrating his 74th Birthday today!

Sky Blue Bryan King

Bryan was a Gordon Milne signing from Millwall for the Sky Blues in August 1975 Brian had started out with Chelmsford Town before moving to Millwall’s Den for £4500 in July 1967. With the Lions he developed a reputation as probably the best shot-stopper outside the top division over seven years with the club and was recognised internationally being selected as a (non playing) sub for England versus Portugal in 1974. In five of those years with the Lions he missed only one game and by the time he left for Highfield Road had clocked up 340 appearances for the Londoners.

Bryan makes a save

Now a fellow CCFPA member to the ‘gaffer’, Gordon paid a big £57k for the goalkeeper who seemed a natural successor to Sky Blue legend Bill Glazier (though City had Bill’s fellow member Neil Ramsbottom between the sticks for much of the previous season).  However, things did not go as well as expected for all concerned. Making his debut in a 4-1 away win at Everton‘s Goodison Park Bryan began his Sky Blue career brightly but eventually his form developed inconsistencies and he picked up injuries. In January 1976 in his final game for City, a thumping 5-0 F.A.Cup defeat at St James’ Park Newcastle, Bryan picked up a groin injury after 27 games for the Sky Blues.

Bryan with his book

He attempted a come-back early the following season in a friendly but sadly his knee gave way so he was forced to hang up his boots without playing another game for the City and his contract was cancelled in April 1977. Bryan was granted a benefit by Millwall played out between the Lions and the Sky Blues in 1976 (bottom right)

Bryan then went into management abroad with FK Jerb Grimstad and then Harstad IL (both in Norway) and for a time became a Football Commentator for Norwegian TV in 1995. From his Scandinavian base Bryan has done scouting for Aston Villa (1995), ‘Spurs (2002), Everton (2008), Villa (again-2017) and since Jan. 2019 has been Tournaments Coordinator for Sporting Events Ltd.

Bryan Kings Benefit Millwall v CCFC) 1976

Just last year (November 2020) Bryan brought out his autobiography (above left) charting his interesting and colourful career in English football. Cleverly called ‘The Lions’ King‘, in view of his long association with Millwall, the 320 page hardback autobiography was published by Little Hell Books priced at £19.99. You can order it direct from the publishers here. Sure to be a good read for all Sky Blues fans ait has plenty of mention of Bryan’s Sky Blue days and many photographs.

Though we have not yet had the pleasure of entertaining Bryan as our guest at an Association event we know that he sometimes visits his first top level club from time to time. We would love to see him back in Coventry now we are back at the Ricoh for next season once COVID restrictions are fully eased. In the meantime have a great day today Bryan!!

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