Old Boys News: Ex CCFC Youth Team Player & History Maker John Docker Has Passed Away
John Docker in the Sky Blue
Thanks to CCFPA committee member Ed Blackaby for informing us that, sadly former Coventry City outside left John Docker has recently passed away. The Association sends its condolences to John’s family and friends.
Born on 25th September 1947 and a ‘Cov Kid’ who went to school at Caludon Castle, John was a star of the Coventry Boys team signed by Jimmy Hill as a fifteen year old on apprentice forms in 1962, apparently against stiff competition (see below). He was part of an excellent youth team in the 1960s. He turned professional in 1965 but unfortunately never went on to make a first team appearance.
John also went on to play a handful of games for Torquay United during a couple of months from 1967. One source (the FourFourTwo website) asserts that by doing so he entered the record books as the first ever loan player in the Football League! You can read the full article by clicking here. Here is the relevant excerpt:-
“In 1967, Torquay United signed 19-year-old winger John Docker on loan from Coventry. Docker scored twice on his Torquay debut, a 3-0 win over local rivals Exeter, but played only three more games during his loan and never played at all for Coventry. So while he hardly had an illustrious career, Docker can perhaps be remembered as the first signing under the new loan transfer system”
He apparently then moved to Irish club Waterford before joining Rugby Town locally and local works side Massey Ferguson.
CCFC 1965-66 (August)
John is on the back row of the 1965-66 squad photo above.
RIP John (1947-2021)!
