Matchday Memories: On This Pre Season Day 1997 – Uzzell Testimonial Sees Gulls Gutted By Strachan’s Sky Blues

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Gordon the Gaffer

By this day (1st August) in 1997 the Sky Blues geographically wide ranging pre-season warm-up had already started with an unbeaten Scottish tour (3-0 at Ayr United; 1-0 at Dunfermline and 2-0 against Hibs) without conceding a goal . Gordon Strachan, starting out on his first full season in control at Highfield Road, had then taken his team at the end of July for another friendly at Stoke City and lost there by two clear goals. Today the Sky Blues, in preparation for their upcoming Premier League season, travelled to the south western end of the UK to take on Third Division Torquay United.

The match at Plainmoor was slated as the ‘John Uzzell Testimonial Match‘ which the Sky Blues were happy to take part in. John (a full back) had spent a large chunk of his career (1997-89) with neighbours Plymouth Argyle  before joining the Gulls where his career was tragically ended by a horrific tackle by Brentford striker Gary Blissett in December 1991 which fractured several facial bones. Though moving into coaching John was grateful for the support he received in taking up subsequent litigation for compensation.

At the same time as being extremely sympathetic to the Uzzell cause the Sky Blues turned out fairly ruthless in the game and won the game hitting four goals to only one in reply. The Torquay XI was selected from footballing guests from John’s past and current squad members.

Sadly, we do not have details of the actual teams or scorers to hand – if anyone can supply these please get in touch. The referee was Steve Dunn (Bristol). However the back of the programme (below) gives names of the respective squads from whom the teams were picked:-

The Sky Blues completed their pre season with City’s only home game before the season started. Top Dutch team Feyenoord (from Rotterdam) were visitors and were overcome 2-1 at Highfield Road (see detailed post soon on that equivalent day). 

CCFC 1997-98

As far as the 1997-98 Premier League campain went things were reasonably satisfactory with an eleventh placed finish well clear of relegation and Gordon stayed in charge right up to the Sky Blues departure from the top flight in 2000-01.

Thanks to CCFPA’s Mike Young for sourcing the images

 

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