* The Unofficial "Official" Luton v Boro Championship Match-day Thread an Programme *

[r00fie1]

Hi everyone.
Its that time again.................................



Before we look at tonight`s game, we have to pay tribute to our own Neil Warnock.

"NEIL WARNOCK!
HE`S TOP OF THE LEAGUE!"

Love him or hate him, he is by far. one of the most successful Managers in the English Football League over the last 40+ years.
Neil described himself as "Mr Marmite" to the watching media on Monday [1st November].

Tonight [Tuesday 2nd November] Neil will surpass DarioGradi`s record of 1601 games as Manager in his career!
Its 1602 games tonight (!) - making him "Top of The League"!

As Cloughie might say - Hes not the best Manager, but hes certainly in the top one
Its astonishing really - "if Im honest about it" - hes above the likes of `Arry Redknapp, Brian Clough and Alex Ferguson!

Neil Warnock is from a generation where Managers crafted successful teams out of players who trained on sandy beaches, sweating it out on Army Assualt Courses and running till they dropped.

He`s taken the most unlikely teams to the top and lifted others beyond their wildest dreams. Hes still remembered fondly by fans of Rotherham, Notts County, Plymouth, QPR, Cardiff, Scarbro`, Sheffield United and a few others besides. His blunt and ,sometimes, abrasive style doesnt always suit the media and others connected to the game - but no one can doubt his passion and ability. He has admitted himself that he likes the notion of being a maverick - says he knows hes doing right when hearing fans chanting "Neil Warnock...what a .......!" His self-deprocating humour often washes over football "journalists" who have perhaps grown up with the Premier League, with pitches like billiard tables and money sloshing round the top of the game.

He takes players and teams, who the media describes as "no - hoper`s" and turns them into world - beaters. QPR, Cardiff City, Notts County, Scarbro` and Sheffield United immediately spring to mind. No one can doubt him. On his tenure at QPR, he describes his players as a "bunch of misfits" (!) - some of whom, he was told - were "unmanageable". Not to him though.

For those who know the film "THE DIRTY DOZEN" - Neil is Lee Marvin ["the Gaffa"] who takes 12 Soldiers out of prison on a mission destined to fail(?).

Even the General`s think he has no chance. The "Gaffa" [Lee Marvin] uses unorthodox methods to achieve his objectives - much to the annoyance of those in authority [sound familiar?!] - but he builds a team out of "misfits" who blow the doubters out the water
His teams arent "dirty" but they are always ready to run through brick walls. Where others might ask for a blank cheque book to build a side - Neil gets on with recruiting players no-one has heard of!


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Here is what The Gaffa had to say to Sky Sports:

Middlesbrough: Neil Warnock breaks record for most games managed in English professional football

Middlesbrough manager Neil Warnock broke the record for the most games managed in English professional football on Tuesday night, when Boro lost 3-1 to Luton at Kenilworth Road; the 72-year-old has now taken charge of 1,602 matches during spells with 14 clubs

www.skysports.com

"I must have been decent at my job to do 1,601!" joked Neil Warnock after Middlesbrough's 2-0 defeat to Birmingham last Saturday.

Despite the loss, the Boro boss was in a typically jovial mood - and for good reason. It was the day the 72-year-old equalled the record for the most games managed in English professional football.It has been some journey. Since he first entered the EFL as a manager with Scarborough in 1987, Warnock has taken charge at 14 different clubs, from Torquay, to QPR, to boyhood club Sheffield United and won promotion on a record eight occasions.

On Tuesday night, when he takes his side to Kenilworth Road to face Luton, he will make history once more when he takes charge of the 1,602nd match.It is a remarkable figure, but one he admits he never imagined reaching.

"I never set out to do anything like that," he said. "I can't see something like this being beaten. In another 16-17 games, it will be the most Football League games. Hopefully I can keep my job a bit longer.

"Simon Jordan got me out of retirement at Palace because I thought I was going to be finished after Sheffield United. He told me to have a couple of months and help him out and it's things like that that have kept me in it. Rotherham United was special. They got me back in after I'd called it a day then.
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Most games managed in English professional football
​

Name​	Games managed​
Dario Gradi​	1,601​
Neil Warnock​	1,601​
Fred Everiss​	1,524​
Sir Alex Ferguson​	1,503​
Brian Clough​	1,451​
Jim Smith​	1,442​
Harry Redknapp​	1,434​

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"Those circumstances and having those 16 games at Rotherham really whetted my appetite for the Cardiff carry on. You can't put your finger on just one thing that keeps you coming back."

On December 1, he will turn 73, yet shows no sign of slowing down, no doubt helped by his constant ability to lighten the mood of a press conference or playing up to his charismatic persona.

"I have really enjoyed it and set out to give the clubs I am at something to cheer about and a bit of humour in the game," he added. "There is not enough humour in the game. I like to make people laugh and smile and enjoy life.

"Younger managers get a bit brainwashed with clipboards and qualifications and forget the little things in life like the humour. You can't give them a course in humour. I have always enjoyed that part, and meeting the away fans, the banter and getting some stick. I couldn't have done as many games without humour."

With the aforementioned defeat to Birmingham bringing a three-match winning streak to an end, Middlesbrough have slipped back into the middle of the Championship table.

But with just six points separating 19th-placed Preston and fifth-placed Huddersfield, all that could change in an instant and a promotion push could soon be back on the cards.

When it comes to winning promotion, Warnock is a man who knows what he's doing. Taking Cardiff to the Premier League in 2018 moved him above Dave Bassett, Graham Taylor and Jim Smith, who all achieved promotion on seven occasions.

Even in an age of big-spending in the Championship, it is Warnock's old-fashioned values that make him successful time and time again. And an unprecedented promotion number nine could be added to his CV in just a matter of months, too.

Sky Sports' Jobi McAnuff on the Sky Sports EFL Podcast:

"Opposition-wise, it's never nice coming up against his teams, I've got to be honest. I had my extra-large shin pads and ankle pads on when I played against them! You know what you are going to get and I think, with good managers, you can see elements of their personality in their teams.

"I think Neil Warnock has done that across his whole career. I know a lot of lads who have played for him and they absolutely loved it. For me, management is about getting the best out of those players and understanding what makes them tick. He just knows which buttons to push and how to push them.

"It's a massive compliment to him for how long he has done it, how successful he has been and to have that desire to keep wanting to do it. He could easily retire - and be happily retired - but he's got that passion in him that you still see now and it's great to see.

"You look at managers these days and it is very much a short-term job and some that have negative experiences or don't quite do well, you never see them again. The fact that he keeps coming back, he keeps getting jobs and he keeps doing well and building teams again is unbelievable."

Sky Sports' Andy Hinchcliffe on the Sky Sports EFL Podcast:

"If you're in football as long as Neil Warnock, you have to adapt because players have changed, their mentality has changed. You can keep a bit of what you are, but you do have to adapt the way that you coach and talk to players because man-management is so important these days.

"He's still proving successful and there is a chance this season, with him in charge at Middlesbrough, that they could creep up and challenge the top six. We'll see him in midweek and we'll certainly hear him as well because he loves to stick it to referees! It appeals to fans, it appeals to players and he must be great to play for. If you are around this long, it's not by accident; clearly you are doing a lot right.

"When he left Cardiff, I just wondered if that was it and though that surely, in his 70s, he was just going to sit back and watch the game. He can't help himself. He is what he is - a football coach and a manager - and he needs to be in that dressing room and on that touchline. Can he go into his 80s?! I'd be surprised if he doesn't!"

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More of Neil later. Lets look ahead to tonight`s game at Kenilworth Road:



Tonight`s Fixtures:


The Championship Table before Kick Off:

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Head 2 Head

With Flashscore:

LUT 3-1 MID | Luton - Middlesbrough

www.flashscore.co.uk

Halloween night provided a bit of a shock for Luton Town and Middlesbrough as they both fell to respective 2-0 defeats following their own positive runs prior. For Luton, their five-game unbeaten Championship run came crashing down (W3, D2) though that hasn’t ended their top-six hopes just yet as they can pull clear of ‘Boro’ with a win here.

Inspiring confidence amongst the Luton ranks is their solid record across their last 11 home league games (W4, D6, L1), though turning draws into wins is imperative if the ‘Hatters’ are to climb the table. However, this could be yet another tight match if manager Nathan Jones’ personal record against Middlesbrough is anything to go by, as all three games ended with under 2.5 goals (D1, L2).

Another week, another drab encounter ensued for Middlesbrough, as they played out a seventh straight game with under 2.5 goals - the longest current streak of any EFL side. However, it was a match that saw boss Neil Warnock equal the record for most games managed in English football as he enjoyed his 1601st such occasion in the dugout.

Each of Middlesbrough’s last six games have now ended 2-0 (W4, L2) and it looks likely there will be another winner in this clash given that none of Middlesbrough’s last ten matches ended level. As Warnock makes that managerial record his own here in his 1602nd match, a win would be the icing on the cake, but this will be no walk in the park as the visitors have won just two of their last nine league encounters with Luton (D4, L3).

Players to watch: With top scorer Adebayo potentially unavailable, Luton may need Harry Cornick to step up - he’s had a hand in six of their last ten goals (4G, 2A).
Meanwhile, Matt Crooks has impressed at Boro with three goals and an assist, though he seeks his first away goal involvement since March.

Hot stat: Warnock hasn’t lost any of his five league H2Hs with Luton in this century (W3, D2), though both away games ended 1-1.

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The View from Kenilworth Road.

Match Preview | Middlesbrough (H)

The Hatters will hope to get back to winning ways when they face Middlesbrough in front of the Sky Sports cameras on Tuesday evening.

www.lutontown.co.uk

The Hatters will hope to get back to winning ways when they face Middlesbrough in front of the Sky Sports cameras on Tuesday evening.

Loss against Preston ended a five-game unbeaten run at the weekend, whilst Boro suffered the same fait after they were defeated by Birmingham on Saturday.

One goal separates the two sides on goal difference in what will prove to be a tight encounter at Kenilworth Road.

The opposition:

Middlesbrough are level on points with the Hatters but a point below with an inferior goal difference.

Nigel (?!) Warnock’s side are usually tricky customers, which manager Nathan Jones pointed out in his post-Preston press conference.
​

“Every game is a tough game. There are very few teams that are inexperienced at the level.

The three teams that come up have been regulars in the Championship before so it’s a constant grind, it’s a tough league and we have to make sure we do the right things.”​

Last time we met:

It was a score draw when the two sides last met in May earlier this year. Glen Rea had given the Hatters the lead but Duncan Watmore hit back for Boro within two minutes.

James Collins missed a penalty with 20 minutes to play and despite that, it extended Town’s unbeaten run to five matches in the Sky Bet Championship.



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Red and White Shorts:


March 1974, Boro clinch the 2nd Division Championship with a 1-0 win at Kenilworth Road thanks to a goal from David Mills.

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[r00fie1]

Sky TEAM OF THE MONTH for October:

Championship Team of the Month for October - Aleksandar Mitrovic, Dominic Solanke and Jamie Paterson make cut

Players from Blackburn, Bournemouth, Coventry, Fulham, Middlesbrough, Reading and Swansea feature as WhoScored.com run through their Sky Bet Championship Team of the Month for October.

www.skysports.com

Two of our players were deservedly selected for the Sky Team of The Month for October.


The Mighty Sol Bamber - who has been a man-mountain in defence, when "key" defenders have been out injured.
But thats no problem for Sol.
His maturity, skill and determination have proved invaluable.
Well done Sol!

Well done also to Matty Crooks, whose contribution has been crucial to Boro`s upward trajectory.
He gets stuck in when it counts and adds goals and backbone to the team.
A mention too, for his leadership and support to young Martin Peyero in settling into the side and to English Football

 

[Expat Smoggie]

Djksteel starts with Howson moving into the middle? [Payero has an injury[ maybe.

 

[r00fie1]

FROM THE GAFFA`s MOUTH:

Warnock's Boro aim to January as he looks ahead to two tough games

Middlesbrough travel to Luton Town and then West Brom before the next international break

www.gazettelive.co.uk

Craig Johns 1st Nov 2021

Staying withing touching distance of the top six remains Neil Warnock's key focus at Middlesbrough for now.

Boro reached sixth position last weekend after beating Cardiff City but dropped to 11th this weekend when their three-match winning run ended at home to Birmingham City.

It's been a testing period for the Boro boss, with his squad nursing numerous injuries, and bumps and bruises - most notably in defence with five on the treatment table from those positions.

And Warnock says, even during the recent winning run, keeping pace with the play-off chasing pack was, for now, his only aim.

“I’ve been like that the last six games if I’m honest, even though we’ve won three," he said.

“We’ve got to keep within touching distance because I do believe with the injured lads back, and with a couple of additions in January, we can be as good as anybody outside the top four really.

“I think it’s going to be wide open all season really.”

The Championship table feels tighter than ever right now.

When Boro moved to sixth after their win over Cardiff, it was at a time where every team fifth to eleventh were separated by goal difference alone.

“I think it just shows you that everybody has results like we’ve had," Warnock opined.

“You’ve got the top two and three teams, but other than that, everyone else has slip-ups when they should win and vice versa.

“And you only have to look at the sizes of the squads at the top. They’ve all probably got a second XI as strong as most teams in the division because of the parachute payments.

“We’ve just got to try and compete with them and do the best we can. I’m disappointed we haven't got eight or nine more points.

“But that’s just how we are at the moment.”

Warnock was speaking ahead of his side's trip to Luton Town on Tuesday evening. It's the first of two tough games on the road before the next international break - which should provide a welcome period to get some of the injured players back.

West Brom on Saturday will be a very difficult test for Boro, with the recently relegated side currently third and in the chase for automatic promotion as expected.

Luton are a little more like Boro in their inconsistency and it's no surprise then that both sides go into the game tied on 21 points. But Warnock is appreciative of the challenge the Hatters will pose his side.

He said: “I’ve been looking at the message boards and I don’t think anybody expects us to get anything in these next two games.

“Luton started really well against us last year. We thought we were playing Real Madrid for 20 minutes!

“But we came into the game and more than held our own.

“I’m hoping whatever team we put out we can start on the front foot because they are a good side and Nathan [Jones] has done a really good job.

“They play good football and pass it around and they have got a bit of physicality about them. The games I’ve seen, they play it around well - pass and move - and you’ve got to try and get onto the front foot to compete with them.

“They’re a genuine bunch of lads at Luton. West Brom is different altogether because they’re expected to be up the top.

“It’s two different games. Whatever the fitness difficulties we have, we have to get on with it and give our best.”​

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SCHOOL OF HARD KNOCKS!

From the beginning.

Warnock says West Ham-Tevez saga 'sticks in throat' as he nears games record

NEIL WARNOCK will write his name into the history books over the next four days. When his Middlesbrough team host Birmingham on Saturday, he will equal former Crewe boss Dario Gradi’s record of 1,6…

www.the-sun.com

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Neil Warnock admits West Ham-Carlos Tevez saga ‘still sticks in the throat’ as he approaches epic managerial record​

• Updated: 12:26 ET, Oct 30 2021​

NEIL WARNOCK will write his name into the history books over the next four days.
When his Middlesbrough team host Birmingham on Saturday, he will equal former Crewe boss Dario Gradi’s record of 1,601 games as an English league manager. Then on Tuesday, at Luton, he will surpass it.
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Neil Warnock has guided Middlesbrough into the promotion race as he prepares to set a record for an English league boss of 1,602 games over the next week

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Neil Warnock locked horns with legendary bosses like Arsene Wenger in the Premier League

To mark this extraordinary record, he sat down to chat with SunSport’s JUSTIN ALLEN about his career.​

WHEN DID YOU BEGIN COACHING?​

While playing at Hartlepool, I lived in Seaton Carew next to the village green and some kids used to put their cardigans down for a kickabout.
One of them knocked on my door and said: “Mr Warnock, would you mind coaching us?” So I got them on the green at 5pm the next day and put them through a proper session. I loved it.
We entered a league and, when we scored from a corner in an early game, which we’d practised, I ran up and down like Kes from the film, that bloke with the whistle around his neck, high-fiving the lads. This whetted my appetite for coaching.
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FIRST MANAGERIAL ROLE?​

I managed a Sunday League team called Todwick, a village near Sheffield. We had one floodlight and we trained one night a week.
I’d take all the washing to the dry cleaners after games. We entered a national Sunday League competition and travelled overnight to Stoke. I loved it.​

TELL ME ABOUT YOUR FIRST SENIOR JOBS AT GAINSBOROUGH AND BURTON?​

I was winding down as a player and an old Barnsley team-mate of mine Les Harris, who played for Goole, told me his team were looking for a manager so I went to a game.
Their opponents Gainsborough were looking for a manager too. I asked their chairman if he fancied a player-manager and he did! I had six months there.
However I decided to go to Burton because I had played for them and knew their chairman Ben Robinson, who is still there. He is the one chairman you want as a young manager because he’d trust you and was so helpful.
They paid £1,000 in compensation for me. I had five great years in non-league with Burton and the highlight was reaching the third round of the FA Cup by hosting Leicester in 1985.​

WASN’T THAT FIRST BIG FA CUP CLASH REMEMBERED MOST FOR CROWD TROUBLE?​

Yes. My keeper Paul Evans got hit by a piece of wood thrown from the stands with the score 1-1 at Derby’s Baseball Ground. He was worse for wear and we ended up losing 6-1 with Gary Lineker hitting a hat-trick.
No-one wanted to fight our corner apart from The Sun newspaper, who were brilliant. Chief sports writer John Sadler took it upon himself to say what a disgrace it was and how we should get a replay.
He banged on about it for days and we got the replay! We lost it 1-0 behind closed doors at Coventry.
​

Neil Warnock eventually saw his then-Burton side get a replay against Leicester after keeper Paul Evans was hit by wood during a 6-1 defeatCredit:

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR TEAMS?​

Every team I’ve won promotion with has been full of good characters willing to put their bodies on the line.
Craig Short was a bank clerk on £20-a-week when I signed him at Scarborough. I ended up taking him to Notts County and he was one of the best centre-halves I ever had. I have often struggled up front and it’s because moves for strikers I’ve tried to sign have never really come off.
I’ve always had good goalkeepers though.​

MOST MEMORABLE GAME?​

Plymouth versus Colchester, a second leg play-off semi-final in what is now called League Two back in 1996.
We lost the first leg at Colchester 1-0 but were 2-0 up in the second half when Mark Kinsella chopped down one of our lads who was through on goal.
The ref failed to send him off and he went on to score to make it 2-2 on aggregate.
I got sent off but Paul Williams scored our late winner and we went on to beat Darlington in the final.​

WHAT WAS YOUR LOWEST MOMENT?​

At Sheffield United, when we lost 2-1 against Wigan at Bramall Lane in 2007 on the last day of the season to be relegated from the Premier League.
The West Ham-Carlos Tevez saga was such an injustice. I’m certain had Sheffield United illegally fielded a player, we’d have been docked points. It still sticks in the throat.
Also, Sheffield United losing 1-0 to Arsenal in the 2003 FA Cup semi-final when referee Graham Poll “fouled” Michael Tonge in the lead-up to Freddie Ljungberg’s winner.
Graham walked off at half-time, smiling and joking with the Arsenal players!
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Neil Warnock still seethes at the 'injustice' Sheffield United suffered due to the Carlos Tevez controversy with West Ham

OUT OF THE EIGHT PROMOTIONS YOU WON, WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE?​

They were all special but if I was to single one out it would be my first one with Scarborough from the Conference into the Football League in 1987.
We were 50-1 outsiders and were one of the favourites to be relegated.
Taking Notts County from the third tier to the top division was huge too, as was promotion with my home-city club Sheffield United into the Premier League.
But the ones with Plymouth, Cardiff, Huddersfield and QPR are all memories I cherish.​

YOU HAVE A 100 PER CENT WEMBLEY PLAY-OFF FINAL RECORD . . . TWO WITH NOTTS COUNTY AND ONE EACH WITH HUDDERSFIELD AND PLYMOUTH?​

There’s no better way to get promoted. I loved the bus trips home afterwards, seeing all your fans celebrating packed into cars, coaches and trains with scarves everywhere. I lost one final - but that was at the Millennium Stadium - when Sheffield United got beaten by Wolves.​

YOU SUFFERED RELEGATIONS FROM THE PREM BUT ALSO TWO WITH OLDHAM AND BURY​

I’ve never had much money to spend in the Premier League, which has been a shame.
But, yes, I didn’t have good spells with Oldham or Bury. I put that down to being the fate of a Yorkshireman managing in Lancashire.
However, it’s great to see Bury are on the way back with the imminent takeover of the club and Gigg Lane. We shouldn’t be losing these clubs.
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Neil Warnock, who bossed Notts County from 1989-93, has occasionally seen his career slide down but he's usually been a success in 41 years as a managerCredit: PA

FIERCEST MANAGERIAL RIVAL?​

Barnet’s Barry Fry while I was at Scarborough in the Conference. We were near the bottom of the league when he sold me keeper Kevin Blackwell, now my assistant, but we went on an unbelievable run.
Barry came to several of our games when they weren’t playing and we kept winning. We used to applaud him while he was in the stands!​

MANAGER YOU RESPECTED THE MOST?​

Arsene Wenger. He was a gentleman — always inviting me and my family into his office afterwards for a drink. No-one has done more for the English game than Arsene with all the nutrition and ideas he introduced.​

TELL ME ABOUT YOUR UNSUNG HEROES — YOUR ASSISTANTS?​

Paul Evans, Mick Jones, Kevin Blackwell and Ronnie Jepson have all been great.
Paul lived two doors down from me when I managed Sunday League football and was with me at Scarborough and Notts County.
Mick was my assistant for many years, always spoke common-sense and was a calming influence. He’s such a great pal of mine.
Now I have Kevin and Ronnie. Blacky is so reliable, will do anything for me at a drop of a hat and is pragmatic, while Ronnie is abrasive.
None of them are ‘yes men’ — they will give their opinions when I make decisions and I’ll change my mind if I think they’re right.​

BEST CHAIRMAN?​

Cardiff’s Mehmet Dalman. He could not have been more helpful during my time there, a real pleasure to work with.​

YOU WON THE TITLE WITH QPR IN THE CHAMPIONSHIP. WHAT DID THAT MEAN TO YOU?​

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Neil Warnock took then-outsiders QPR to the Championship title in 2011

It was a team of misfits. We had managed to keep the club up when we went in.
I bought in a couple of my old Crystal Palace lads, Shaun Derry and Clint Hill.
Heidar Helguson came back from his loan at Watford and was brilliant and we built a team around Adel Taarabt, who was nut-megging people in his own box when I arrived.

He had so much ability and I taught my squad to just let him get on with it. I told them he’ll get us promoted if we deal with him.
It was a shame when we got into the Premier League that Bernie Ecclestone and Flavio Briatore did not want to spend a penny because they were selling the club to Tony Fernandez.​

SACKING THAT STUCK IN THE THROAT?​

Notts County was a tough one. We had taken the club to the top division from the third tier.
I turned down Chelsea before they appointed Ian Porterfield and also Sunderland.
But chairman Derek Pavis sacked me six months later after we were relegated. I told him “be careful because the grass isn’t always greener and it’ll be interesting to see where Notts County end up”. They’re now in non-league!​

WILL BORO END UP BEING YOUR NINTH PROMOTION?​

Three weeks ago I was the second favourite to be the next manager sacked! Now, after three straight wins, we are sixth and people are talking about promotion.

We’ve had a lot of injuries but should have picked up eight or nine more points.
If we can finish in the top six, with my play-off record, let’s say I’m quietly confident.
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[r00fie1]

* In the 70`s and 80`s [and even today] - when black players complained about lack of opportunities in coaching and management - they were almost always told effectively to "shut up". They were marginalised, told they were playing "the race card" and denied the right to an opinion. The game was stuffed with white middle-aged men in boardrooms and in the official organisations. A black player for England was a rarity. Untill the likes of viv Anderson became the first black English Captain. Ricky Hill was a vocal supporter for equality and challenging the status quo. The denials and institutional racism in Football have long been prevelant - and Hill`s opinions and experiences have been vindicated.​

LUTON LEGEND:

RICKY HILL

Ricky Hill's on race and a lack of coaching opportunity packs a punch

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW BY MATT BARLOW: Hill does not hide the scars of his relationship with Luton Town, nor strident views on opportunities for black coaches which he calls ‘coaching apartheid’.

www.dailymail.co.uk

'People are complicit in coaching apartheid': Luton legend Ricky Hill was the fourth black footballer to play for England and his views on race and a lack of opportunity pack a punch​

• Ricky Hill enjoys legendary status at Luton Town after 508 games and 65 goals​
• He has strident views on the lack of opportunities in football for black coaches ​
• Hill devised a form of Rooney Rule for English football to give equal opportunity​
• There have been just three chances for him to work in England in nearly 30 years​
• Hill believes there is 'coaching apartheid' inside football that is hindering change​

By Matt Barlow
Updated: 22:30, 27 March 2019


Ricky Hill removes his shades and declares himself ‘not much of a storyteller’ before settling into a long and deep conversation with the same effortless rhythm which used to define his football.

He covers the ground, gets round his subjects with ease and style. Nostalgia or opinion, he can play off either foot. He has vision and the ability to strike from range.

Hill does not hide the scars of his relationship with Luton Town, where his legendary status is secure after 508 games and 65 goals. Nor strident views on opportunities for black coaches which he calls ‘coaching apartheid’.

Ricky Hill enjoys legendary status at Luton Town after 508 games and 65 goals for The Hatters

Hill, pictured for Luton in 1982, had strident views on lack of opportunities for black coaches

Stories, in fact, tumble from a reluctant storyteller. Too many to cover here, but he is writing a book which promises to be brilliant and he stumbled across a possible title as he recalled his Luton debut.

‘Twenty-two minutes changed my life,’ said Hill. ‘We could call the book that. Those 22 minutes defined my career. There was no inkling I’d be involved. I was a first-year apprentice, a month after my 17th birthday. I hadn’t trained with the first team.

‘I was playing pool with the other apprentices when the coach stuck his head in and said, “You’re with the first team today”.’

Hill was the sub against Bristol Rovers, the penultimate game of the 1975-76 campaign.

‘It’s 1-1 and John Faulkner goes down injured. I stepped out and the crowd just gasped. They weren’t being racist, they were thinking, “Who is this?”’

Hill set up the second and scored the third. ‘Not a bad way to introduce myself,’ he smiled.

‘A star is born. In the eyes of the fans, I mean. I did my jobs, cleaned the baths, and took the train home to my Mum’s in Cricklewood.’

Hill devised a kind of Rooney Rule for English football to ensure equal chances were given

Hill clashes with Leicester's Gary Lineker during a Division 1 game at Filbert Street in 1983

Hill’s parents moved to England in 1955 from Jamaica and separated soon after he was born.

He was raised by his mother, named by his sister after teen idol Ricky Nelson and fell for football as a six-year-old seeing Leeds on TV in the 1965 FA Cup final.

‘I saw someone who looked like me, standing in that white kit as they’re shaking hands,’ he said. ‘I asked my brother who it was and he said Leeds. I thought, that’s my team and it always was.

‘It was Albert Johanneson, the winger. I wanted to be him. Then came Pele and the 1966 World Cup. I was so in love with football. I was a student of the game long before this age of information.’

When Leeds and Liverpool met in the 1974 Charity Shield, Hill was selling programmes at Wembley.

‘I remember standing underneath the concourse, in a white coat with a satchel and the pennies brimming over and all these supporters were coming towards me, many of them drunk. I thought I was going to get robbed, but I didn’t have any trouble and once the game started I sneaked up to the top for a look.’

His only start for England came at Wembley, against West Germany, aged 23 and earning £250 a week. It was the one time his mother, Doris, now 94, saw him play.

‘She did three jobs and was so busy,’ said Hill. ‘She is proof that hard work never killed anyone because no one worked harder to bring up three children.

‘My full debut was probably the proudest moment of my career. Three lions on my chest. It was what I wanted to do and the occasion didn’t overawe me.

‘Mum was there and my brother and mates from Learie Constantine, the West Indian community club named after the cricketer, where my brother and his friends — who didn’t get the chance to mix properly even within the non-League circuit — formed a club.

‘They played on Saturdays and I grew up idolising those guys. Greshford Jones, who went to Chelsea and Sheffield United as a kid, was the closest thing I’d seen to Pele, and Webster Johnson was an England schoolboys trialist.

‘They were my mentors and I’d aspire to be as good as them, but I saw they never had a pathway.’

He was the fourth black player to represent England at senior level — following Viv Anderson, Laurie Cunningham and Cyrille Regis
​

​

Hill has often detected entrenched racism allowed to pass unchallenged during his career

Hill seized his chance when spotted by Luton in a schools game at Hitchin and embraced his role as a trailblazer, coaching young players at Learie Constantine as soon as he made the first team.

He was the fourth black footballer to represent England at senior level — following Viv Anderson, Laurie Cunningham and Cyrille Regis — at the vanguard of a generation who faced down bigotry on the terraces.

‘It could be a lonely place,’ he said, recalling ‘sadness’ and ‘helplessness’ in the eyes of his team-mates when the monkey noises and vile chants registered.

Speaking on the day England’s black players were targets for racist abuse in Montenegro, Hill added: ‘I’m saddened we still have to be teaching people to conduct themselves in a proper manner regardless of race.

‘I’ve always thought it’s something that should be taught at home first. But it seems to be rising again, not only in football, it’s about humanity.’

Within the game itself, Hill has often detected entrenched racism allowed to pass unchallenged, evident in Sir Alf Ramsey’s verdict on England’s options at the World Cup in 1986.

‘He said I was a talented player but you might not want to go to war with me. I thought, “You won the World Cup but you don’t know me and you don’t know what I’ve been through to get here”. It was hurtful and no one disputed the inference. I’ve had it all my life, doubts and stereotypes.

‘The word was black players didn’t have the acumen to play in central midfield, where I played. Ron Noades (the Crystal Palace chairman) said he signed black players for flair and speed, but needed white players around to add brains.

‘It was allowed to permeate. No one attempted to dispel the notion. Even the abuse we suffered early in our careers, very little of it was ever mentioned in the press at the time about the abhorrent behaviour of certain fans.’

Hill beats Arsenal's Tony Adams to clear with a header during the 1988 League Cup final

Hill has had three opportunities to coach in England in nearly 30 years since he retired as a player.

He devised a version of the NFL’s Rooney Rule for English football to ensure black, Asian or minority ethnic candidates were interviewed, but rejects the Football League’s voluntary recruitment code as a ‘paper tiger’.

‘I know I’m a good coach but it was always going to be hard,’ said Hill. ‘I was a first-generation black player and I’m a first-generation black coach. From my generation, only Chris Hughton is working professionally at the top.

‘Whether that’s down to race or circumstance or networking is hard to say. But the facts are the facts. And if you’re not prepared to put something in place that might change the demographic within an organisation that goes out around the world, then you’re complicit in what I call coaching apartheid.’

Of his three opportunities, two came on the recommendation of his former Luton boss David Pleat, coaching youth teams at Sheffield Wednesday and Tottenham.

There have been just three opportunities for him to coach at an English club in nearly 30 years

The other as manager of Luton himself in 2000, a dream which turned sour inside four months. ‘In my heart of hearts I knew Luton was my best chance,’ said Hill. ‘If I couldn’t get a fair chance there, I was never going to get it. I knew to be dismissed from my home club after only four months would have major ramifications and my fears have been realised.

‘In nearly 20 years since I’ve never had another opportunity in England. Not as a coach or manager or non-League coach. And I’m not sitting here idly. I’m all about work. I’m a young 60, I’m not ready to be carted off to the retirement home.’

Hill spent two years at San Juan Jabloteh in Trinidad and Tobago, where he reached the CONCACAF Champions League, and returned to the USA to win the NASL title with Tampa Bay Rowdies, where he had been player-coach in 1992.

The only sniff of a job on home shores was at Manchester United, where an interview with Sir Alex Ferguson went well but the job as reserve-team coach went to Ricky Sbragia.

One was as manager of Luton itself in 2000, a dream which turned sour inside four months

Hill believes there is 'coaching apartheid' inside elite English football that is hindering change

Luton’s rise to the top of League One with Mick Harford at the helm, and the green light for a new stadium, has the town buzzing about its football and evoking memories of Pleat, promotion and a decade in the top flight from 1981-82 to 1991-92.

There were two League Cup finals — one won and one lost — defeat in the Simod Cup final at Wembley, relegation escapes and two FA Cup semi-finals.

Hill can often be found at the club with friends or chatting to fans in the community, although his affection for Luton is offset by his treatment, not only as manager but when he left for Le Havre after 15 years as a player.

‘David Pleat would say every time Bobby Robson saw him, he would put an arm around David and say, “When are you going to sell me your boy Hill?” That was when Ipswich were winning trophies with (Frans) Thijssen and (Arnold) Muhren in midfield.’

There was a call from Newcastle boss Arthur Cox, Bill Nicholson tried to line him up for Spurs when they feared they would lose Glenn Hoddle. Gerard Houllier wanted him at Paris Saint-Germain. Atletico Madrid came in for him.

Luton’s rise to the top of League One with Mick Harford at the helm has the town buzzing

‘I never chased a dollar, never thought the grass might be greener,’ said Hill, but when boss Ray Harford promised him a free transfer he set up a move to France only to find chairman David Evans demanding a fee of £115,000.

Evans refused to leave his office and greet the delegation from Le Havre and Hill settled the impasse by finding £50,000 of his own money to buy out his contract, waiving a £30,000 signing-on fee.

‘The deceit hurt,’ said Hill. ‘To do this to me after I’d given my best years to this club. If I’d been penniless I didn’t want to work for those people again.’

He is, nevertheless, delighted to see Luton emerge from the gloom of three successive relegations and five years in non-League football.

‘I am elated for the fans,’ said Hill. ‘They’ve gone through so much and never deserted them and now it’s positive.

‘For them, I wish the club all the success possible and, who knows, maybe one day down the road I may play a part in the organisation in some capacity.’
​

 

[r00fie1]

More than just a fan club:

Luton Town Supporters' Trust – Non-profit organisation for the fans of Luton Town Football Club

Non-profit organisation for the fans of Luton Town Football Club

www.lutontownsupporterstrust.com

LUTON TOWN SUPPORTERS TRUST




More than just an independent supporters association

Luton Town Supporters’ Trust – or LTST – is for the fans of Luton Town Football Club.
Patron – Joan Bartholomew
President – John Moore

​

What is the Luton Town Supporters’ Trust?​

A Supporters’ Trust is a formal, democratic, non-profit organisation run by fans for fans. The purpose of a Trust is to help fans to join together and strengthen their influence over the way their club is run, and to improve the links between their club and the community it serves.
In a way, we’re like a union, believing that many voices are stronger than one and that the best way to influence the club is to represent many fans, not just ourselves.

Our aims are to secure the future of the Club, keeping the Club with the fans where it belongs. Luton Town Supporters’ Trust was formed as an Industrial and Provident Society but, following the abolition of Industrial and Provident Societies, is now registered under the Co-operative and Community Benefit Societies Act 2014.

You may be familiar with the Football Supporters’ Association (FSA). It is our national equivalent; taking forward campaigns that affect all fans of all clubs. We will work with the FSA on several campaigns over the coming seasons.

Board members are elected annually, and anyone who is a paid member of the Trust can stand for election. Trust Board members are fans, the same as any of you and are not paid by or recompensed in any other way by LTFC. Or anyone else for that matter!

We also have several Working Groups who help on specific projects and we’re always keen to have new members for these. However much or little time you have and whatever skills you can offer, we can find a use for you, so please don’t be shy.

​

What is our Vision?​

Luton Town Supporters’ Trust has an aspiration to
“Become the best football Supporters’ Trust in England, to the benefit of our fans, our members, the Club and our community – and for the good of football”.
We have a long history, excitement about Championship football and optimism about the future of our team and our community.

We have defended the Club in the tough times and maintain a shareholding in the Club to ensure we are able to protect and celebrate the future. We act as custodian of the image rights of the Club – to protect the Club name, kit colours, Club crest and mascot for the long-term interests of the Club.

And like our Club, we have integrity. We believe in fair play and are committed to represent the fans and influence the regulation and its enforcement of football. And to collaborate with other Trusts to share our ideas, learn from best practice and presented a stronger voice to the authorities.

We offer exclusive benefits, podcasts and meet the manager and players events and are committed to continually improving the experience of the Hatters’ fans, bringing the team closer to the fans and bringing the supporters’ voice into the boardroom, validating proposed activities and decisions that impact the fans.

We encourage the fans and the wider community to get involved, to enjoy the thrill (the ups and the downs!) of supporting Luton Town, and we raise money for both the fans and the community/charity, along with the Club, to help with immediate needs as we have seen during the recent COVID crisis, and to build a better future through significant capital projects.

​

What is our strategy?​

The Trust has identified four core strategies:

1. Protect and support LTFC.
2. Increase Trust membership and deepen fan engagement.
3. Professionalise the Trust.
4. Actively represent the voice of the fans

What are the aims of Luton Town Supporters’ Trust?​

• To strengthen the bonds between the club and local community.
• To work for the football and financial success of the club.
• To uphold and preserve the tradition and heritage of Luton Town, and to secure the clubs long term future in Luton.
• To encourage and promote supporter representation on the club’s board acting as communication to the supporters.
• To acquire shares in the club. formally creating a supporters’ stakeholding.
• To promote coaching schemes to develop the football skills of local young people and promote local interest in football.
• To raise money in such a way as to promote the aims and objectives of Luton Town Supporters Trust and to the benefit of the local community.
• To ensure that all profit is reinvested back into the club.

What we do?​

LTST is committed to:

• Representing Hatters fans to the club, local and national media and national football authorities.
• Regular meetings with the Board of Luton Town Football Club to discuss the key issues affecting
  Hatters fans.
• Surveying supporters for opinions on topics relating to both Luton Town FC and football at a national level.
• Regular dialogue with relevant figures at LTFC on a number of topics.
• Working on community projects including
• Holding social events where fans can get to know each other and meet players, management staff and Board
  Members of Luton Town FC.
• Working with the network of Supporters’ Trusts and the FSA on national campaigns.

​

The legal bit…​

Luton Town Supporters’ Trust (LTST) is a trading style of TIL 2003 Ltd, Registered in England and Wales, Company No. IP29601R, Registered Address 17 Grove Place, Bedford, MK40 3JJ.




If you want to know more about the Trust works - follow this link:

Luton Town Supporters’ Trust | About Us

Find out about Luton Town Supporters' Trust, what it is, its strategy, vision and aims and what it does. Download the constitution and latest policy documents.

www.lutontownsupporterstrust.com

 

[r00fie1]

Red an White Shorts.

It all began so well.
August 2019.
What a match!
And we missed a pen!

 

[r00fie1]

Red an White Shorts.

That Wingy-Worldy again. [V. 30 secs]
This time from behind the goal with Boro fans going barmy!!!!!

 

[r00fie1]

10 Players who began their careers at Luton town:

Tyreeq Bakinson - now at Bristol City


Jay Dasilva - also at Bristol City


Cauley Woodrow - now with The Tykes


Daryl Murphy - much traveled Irish International is now back home living in Eire.


Kevin Foley. Irish International, now on the Management ladder in the United States.


Jack Wilshere - Former Arsenal star, dogged by injury, last seen wearing a Bournemouth shirt.


Matt Taylor - moved upwards to play most of his career in the Premier League.


Curtis Davis - has played with Hull, Villa and West Brom.


Matt Upson - played at the highest level before retirement. Now a media pundit.


John Hartson - Arsenal and West Ham are on his CV, along with scoring 88 league goals in 146 appearances for Celtic.

 

[r00fie1]

Programmes, programmes, get your programmes!

 

[Otto42]

* In the 70`s and 80`s [and even today] - when black players complained about lack of opportunities in coaching and management - they were almost always told effectively to "shut up". They were marginalised, told they were playing "the race card" and denied the right to an opinion. The game was stuffed with white middle-aged men in boardrooms and in the official organisations. A black player for England was a rarity. Untill the likes of viv Anderson became the first black English Captain. Ricky Hill was a vocal supporter for equality and challenging the status quo. The denials and institutional racism in Football have long been prevelant - and Hill`s opinions and experiences have been vindicated.​

LUTON LEGEND:

RICKY HILL

Ricky Hill's on race and a lack of coaching opportunity packs a punch

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW BY MATT BARLOW: Hill does not hide the scars of his relationship with Luton Town, nor strident views on opportunities for black coaches which he calls ‘coaching apartheid’.

www.dailymail.co.uk

'People are complicit in coaching apartheid': Luton legend Ricky Hill was the fourth black footballer to play for England and his views on race and a lack of opportunity pack a punch​

• Ricky Hill enjoys legendary status at Luton Town after 508 games and 65 goals​
• He has strident views on the lack of opportunities in football for black coaches ​
• Hill devised a form of Rooney Rule for English football to give equal opportunity​
• There have been just three chances for him to work in England in nearly 30 years​
• Hill believes there is 'coaching apartheid' inside football that is hindering change​

By Matt Barlow
Updated: 22:30, 27 March 2019
View attachment 27166View attachment 27167

Ricky Hill removes his shades and declares himself ‘not much of a storyteller’ before settling into a long and deep conversation with the same effortless rhythm which used to define his football.

He covers the ground, gets round his subjects with ease and style. Nostalgia or opinion, he can play off either foot. He has vision and the ability to strike from range.

Hill does not hide the scars of his relationship with Luton Town, where his legendary status is secure after 508 games and 65 goals. Nor strident views on opportunities for black coaches which he calls ‘coaching apartheid’.

Ricky Hill enjoys legendary status at Luton Town after 508 games and 65 goals for The Hatters

Hill, pictured for Luton in 1982, had strident views on lack of opportunities for black coaches

Stories, in fact, tumble from a reluctant storyteller. Too many to cover here, but he is writing a book which promises to be brilliant and he stumbled across a possible title as he recalled his Luton debut.

‘Twenty-two minutes changed my life,’ said Hill. ‘We could call the book that. Those 22 minutes defined my career. There was no inkling I’d be involved. I was a first-year apprentice, a month after my 17th birthday. I hadn’t trained with the first team.

‘I was playing pool with the other apprentices when the coach stuck his head in and said, “You’re with the first team today”.’

Hill was the sub against Bristol Rovers, the penultimate game of the 1975-76 campaign.

‘It’s 1-1 and John Faulkner goes down injured. I stepped out and the crowd just gasped. They weren’t being racist, they were thinking, “Who is this?”’

Hill set up the second and scored the third. ‘Not a bad way to introduce myself,’ he smiled.

‘A star is born. In the eyes of the fans, I mean. I did my jobs, cleaned the baths, and took the train home to my Mum’s in Cricklewood.’

Hill devised a kind of Rooney Rule for English football to ensure equal chances were given

Hill clashes with Leicester's Gary Lineker during a Division 1 game at Filbert Street in 1983

Hill’s parents moved to England in 1955 from Jamaica and separated soon after he was born.

He was raised by his mother, named by his sister after teen idol Ricky Nelson and fell for football as a six-year-old seeing Leeds on TV in the 1965 FA Cup final.

‘I saw someone who looked like me, standing in that white kit as they’re shaking hands,’ he said. ‘I asked my brother who it was and he said Leeds. I thought, that’s my team and it always was.

‘It was Albert Johanneson, the winger. I wanted to be him. Then came Pele and the 1966 World Cup. I was so in love with football. I was a student of the game long before this age of information.’

When Leeds and Liverpool met in the 1974 Charity Shield, Hill was selling programmes at Wembley.

‘I remember standing underneath the concourse, in a white coat with a satchel and the pennies brimming over and all these supporters were coming towards me, many of them drunk. I thought I was going to get robbed, but I didn’t have any trouble and once the game started I sneaked up to the top for a look.’

His only start for England came at Wembley, against West Germany, aged 23 and earning £250 a week. It was the one time his mother, Doris, now 94, saw him play.

‘She did three jobs and was so busy,’ said Hill. ‘She is proof that hard work never killed anyone because no one worked harder to bring up three children.

‘My full debut was probably the proudest moment of my career. Three lions on my chest. It was what I wanted to do and the occasion didn’t overawe me.

‘Mum was there and my brother and mates from Learie Constantine, the West Indian community club named after the cricketer, where my brother and his friends — who didn’t get the chance to mix properly even within the non-League circuit — formed a club.

‘They played on Saturdays and I grew up idolising those guys. Greshford Jones, who went to Chelsea and Sheffield United as a kid, was the closest thing I’d seen to Pele, and Webster Johnson was an England schoolboys trialist.

‘They were my mentors and I’d aspire to be as good as them, but I saw they never had a pathway.’

He was the fourth black player to represent England at senior level — following Viv Anderson, Laurie Cunningham and Cyrille Regis
​

​

Hill has often detected entrenched racism allowed to pass unchallenged during his career

Hill seized his chance when spotted by Luton in a schools game at Hitchin and embraced his role as a trailblazer, coaching young players at Learie Constantine as soon as he made the first team.

He was the fourth black footballer to represent England at senior level — following Viv Anderson, Laurie Cunningham and Cyrille Regis — at the vanguard of a generation who faced down bigotry on the terraces.

‘It could be a lonely place,’ he said, recalling ‘sadness’ and ‘helplessness’ in the eyes of his team-mates when the monkey noises and vile chants registered.

Speaking on the day England’s black players were targets for racist abuse in Montenegro, Hill added: ‘I’m saddened we still have to be teaching people to conduct themselves in a proper manner regardless of race.

‘I’ve always thought it’s something that should be taught at home first. But it seems to be rising again, not only in football, it’s about humanity.’

Within the game itself, Hill has often detected entrenched racism allowed to pass unchallenged, evident in Sir Alf Ramsey’s verdict on England’s options at the World Cup in 1986.

‘He said I was a talented player but you might not want to go to war with me. I thought, “You won the World Cup but you don’t know me and you don’t know what I’ve been through to get here”. It was hurtful and no one disputed the inference. I’ve had it all my life, doubts and stereotypes.

‘The word was black players didn’t have the acumen to play in central midfield, where I played. Ron Noades (the Crystal Palace chairman) said he signed black players for flair and speed, but needed white players around to add brains.

‘It was allowed to permeate. No one attempted to dispel the notion. Even the abuse we suffered early in our careers, very little of it was ever mentioned in the press at the time about the abhorrent behaviour of certain fans.’

Hill beats Arsenal's Tony Adams to clear with a header during the 1988 League Cup final

Hill has had three opportunities to coach in England in nearly 30 years since he retired as a player.

He devised a version of the NFL’s Rooney Rule for English football to ensure black, Asian or minority ethnic candidates were interviewed, but rejects the Football League’s voluntary recruitment code as a ‘paper tiger’.

‘I know I’m a good coach but it was always going to be hard,’ said Hill. ‘I was a first-generation black player and I’m a first-generation black coach. From my generation, only Chris Hughton is working professionally at the top.

‘Whether that’s down to race or circumstance or networking is hard to say. But the facts are the facts. And if you’re not prepared to put something in place that might change the demographic within an organisation that goes out around the world, then you’re complicit in what I call coaching apartheid.’

Of his three opportunities, two came on the recommendation of his former Luton boss David Pleat, coaching youth teams at Sheffield Wednesday and Tottenham.

There have been just three opportunities for him to coach at an English club in nearly 30 years

The other as manager of Luton himself in 2000, a dream which turned sour inside four months. ‘In my heart of hearts I knew Luton was my best chance,’ said Hill. ‘If I couldn’t get a fair chance there, I was never going to get it. I knew to be dismissed from my home club after only four months would have major ramifications and my fears have been realised.

‘In nearly 20 years since I’ve never had another opportunity in England. Not as a coach or manager or non-League coach. And I’m not sitting here idly. I’m all about work. I’m a young 60, I’m not ready to be carted off to the retirement home.’

Hill spent two years at San Juan Jabloteh in Trinidad and Tobago, where he reached the CONCACAF Champions League, and returned to the USA to win the NASL title with Tampa Bay Rowdies, where he had been player-coach in 1992.

The only sniff of a job on home shores was at Manchester United, where an interview with Sir Alex Ferguson went well but the job as reserve-team coach went to Ricky Sbragia.

One was as manager of Luton itself in 2000, a dream which turned sour inside four months

Hill believes there is 'coaching apartheid' inside elite English football that is hindering change

Luton’s rise to the top of League One with Mick Harford at the helm, and the green light for a new stadium, has the town buzzing about its football and evoking memories of Pleat, promotion and a decade in the top flight from 1981-82 to 1991-92.

There were two League Cup finals — one won and one lost — defeat in the Simod Cup final at Wembley, relegation escapes and two FA Cup semi-finals.

Hill can often be found at the club with friends or chatting to fans in the community, although his affection for Luton is offset by his treatment, not only as manager but when he left for Le Havre after 15 years as a player.

‘David Pleat would say every time Bobby Robson saw him, he would put an arm around David and say, “When are you going to sell me your boy Hill?” That was when Ipswich were winning trophies with (Frans) Thijssen and (Arnold) Muhren in midfield.’

There was a call from Newcastle boss Arthur Cox, Bill Nicholson tried to line him up for Spurs when they feared they would lose Glenn Hoddle. Gerard Houllier wanted him at Paris Saint-Germain. Atletico Madrid came in for him.

Luton’s rise to the top of League One with Mick Harford at the helm has the town buzzing

‘I never chased a dollar, never thought the grass might be greener,’ said Hill, but when boss Ray Harford promised him a free transfer he set up a move to France only to find chairman David Evans demanding a fee of £115,000.

Evans refused to leave his office and greet the delegation from Le Havre and Hill settled the impasse by finding £50,000 of his own money to buy out his contract, waiving a £30,000 signing-on fee.

‘The deceit hurt,’ said Hill. ‘To do this to me after I’d given my best years to this club. If I’d been penniless I didn’t want to work for those people again.’

He is, nevertheless, delighted to see Luton emerge from the gloom of three successive relegations and five years in non-League football.

‘I am elated for the fans,’ said Hill. ‘They’ve gone through so much and never deserted them and now it’s positive.

‘For them, I wish the club all the success possible and, who knows, maybe one day down the road I may play a part in the organisation in some capacity.’
​

Good read. The stereotypes were certainly pervasive in the 70s and 80s, the likes of Cunningham, Regis, Hill and Stein winning far fewer caps than similar white players and it is sad that these are perpetuated into coaching today.....Sol Campbell has struggled for opportunities despite a glittering career and Paul Ince seems to be discarded when the likes of Pardew, Monk etc... always seemed to get further opportunities.

 

[Cress]

Nearly 950 sold

 

[Caretaker1]

Good stuff .
Well done roofie!

 

[Erimus74]

Programmes, programmes, get your programmes!

View attachment 27188View attachment 27189View attachment 27191View attachment 27192View attachment 27193View attachment 27194View attachment 27195View attachment 27196View attachment 27197

Cheers r00fie lad, its amazing how you have time each match to put these reviews together, thanks mate

 

[boroboy6872]

Awesome read as per r00fie

 

[r00fie1]

Thanks guys
Keeps me out of trouble an off the streets.

 

[Laughing]

Interestingly enough, my world beating algorithm picked the boro game as below 3 goals. I am not sure I agree with this. For anyone interested here is a screenshot

 

[r00fie1]

There`s no keeping this bloke out the news today!
Well done "Gaffa"!

Middlesbrough FC - Middlesbrough FC

Welcome to the official website of Middlesbrough Football Club. Visit for Boro's latest news, videos and highlights, plus tickets and match information.

www.mfc.co.uk

Boro boss Neil Warnock will break an English league management record when he takes charge of our match against Luton Town tonight (7.45pm).​

It will be his 1,602nd match as manager of an English league club in domestic competition, moving him ahead of all others in the history of the English game.

Having been at the helm at Gainsborough Trinity and Burton Albion as a rookie boss, Warnock's first league experience was with Scarborough back in 1987. He went on to manage a further 12 clubs, including two spells with both Crystal Palace and Queens Park Rangers, before joining Boro in 2020.

The Yorkshireman has celebrated a record eight league promotions in that time, most recently with Cardiff City in 2017/18.

Warnock credited Chairman Steve Gibson with helping him reach the milestone match.

"I'm very proud to have done this," he said in Monday's media conference.

"I didn't think I would. I owe a lot to Steve Gibson, because I wouldn't have carried on in football if he hadn't made that phone call.

"I've enjoyed it here - you've got to enjoy it and get your fans to enjoy it while they can.

"That's why I've lasted so long, because I put more smiles on people's faces than gloomy looks. That's how I see life and how I see football."




More Stats:

​

​

​

Neil tells us how its done.​

Listen in......​

Former Burton Albion boss Neil Warnock on how he approaches the job

Man management is still the key to success, he tells Brewers' young players

www.derbytelegraph.co.uk

Former Burton Albion boss Neil Warnock on how he approaches the job​

[Initially published 2nd June 2020].

Man management is still the key to success,
he tells Brewers' young players

Neil Warnock may yet work again as a Football League manager. At 71, he is taking a break at home in Cornwall after leaving his last job at Cardiff City in 2019.

But, if he does not come back this time, the veteran manager says he has achieved the ambitions he had when he started.

“When I first started, I had three ambitions,” Warnock told Burton’s youngsters. “I wanted to manage a team at Wembley, I wanted to manage at the top level and I wanted to manage my team, Sheffield United.

“I managed to do those and I’ve had a long career, 40-odd years in management, so I’ve seen a lot of things change – systems, coaching, nutrition, everything – but good old-fashioned man management is still the best way to get success. You have to get the best out of the players you have.”

Naturally, Warnock, who knew from an early age that he would not to the very top as a player and that he wanted to coach and manager, watched and listened to his own bosses through a playing career of more than 300 matches in the lower divisions.

“I had a lot of managers. You have good ones and bad ones. You have to take all the information on board that you think is good,” he said.

“The stuff you don’t agree with, let it come in here (indicates one ear) and out of here (indicates the other). Get as much information as you can. Len Ashurst at Hartlepool United was as good as any at man motivation. I saw how, when things weren’t going right, how he’d cope with it, how he lifted everybody.

“At Barnsley, I had Jim Iley as manager. He’d been a great player but he ruled by fear and I hated that. I thought, I won’t ever be like that. You have to do things differently. I like to make players smile and laugh. I’ll take the mickey out of them and I’m sure, behind my back, they take the mickey out of me.

“I like that part of the game, the interraction and the laughs. When you’re together for 10 months of the year you have to have something like that, the little switch-offs.”

As he acknowledges, Warnock has had plenty of practice at having to lift players when things are going wrong. He is usually a manager club owners call when their team is in a mess.

Cardiff are an excellent example. In Burton’s first season in the Championship, 2016-17, the Brewers won 2-0 at the Pirelli Stadium in October to leave the Bluebirds second bottom.

They had been awful and manager Paul Trollope lost his job as a result. Cardiff called Warnock and by the time City ground out a 1-0 win over Burton in January, they were halfway up the table. The following season, they were promoted with Warnock.

“I usually get jobs when teams are struggling,” said Warnock. “I’ve never really taken over a team that’s at the top, so I’m usually building a team from the bottom.

“When you’re doing that, you look at the spine, goalkeepers, centre-halves, centre-midfielders, centre-forwards. You have to have winners, leaders, they have to be edgy. I look for those things as well as skill for the level they are at.

“Most lads have some skills but I go in and look for those characters. I go into a club and the first training session I tell them ‘get your pads on.’ I’d have a full 10-a-side game on a small pitch. Anybody that didn’t tackle, I’d blow for a foul, anybody that didn’t go up for a header, anybody who let his man run past him, I’d blow for a foul.

“I would get an idea who I’d want in the trenches with me when the going gets tough. You always have good players at a club, even when you’re struggling, so you have to get those players on board. That’s basically what I’ve done.”​

 

[r00fie1]

Interestingly enough, my world beating algorithm picked the boro game as below 3 goals. I am not sure I agree with this. For anyone interested here is a screenshot

View attachment 27209

What does your world beater suggest tonight laughing?
It would be good for Neil Warnock an us fans - lyke.

 

[boroboy6872]

The black and white photo above him holding a trophy.......is that supposed to be the youth team?

Warns looks dapper in his shirt and summer jacket