John Sillett- Sky Blue 'gaffer'

On this day (5th November) in 1988, thirty five years ago today, former Sky Blue full back John Sillett (deeply missed since his quite recent death) was CCFC's 'gaffer' and picked a team to take on West Ham United in a Division One game at Highfield Road.

There were not too many goalmouth fireworks for Bonfire Night, however, as the two teams fought out a 1-1 draw in front of 14,618 fans.

Keith in the Sky Blue

The Association have a few fraternal pairings who are both members and the Thompson brothers (Keith and Garry) fall into this category. Better known sibling Garry Thompson scored 49 goals in 158 games for CCFC (his first club) over six seasons between 1977-83 but it was younger brother Keith Thompson who grabbed City's 82nd minute headed equaliser in today's match.

Keith scored seven minutes after coming on as the Sky Blues second substitute having come back to Coventry after buying out his contract at Spanish Club Real Oviedo. Keith played intermittently for CCFC in six seasons totting up only 29 games between 1982-85 and 1988-91. This was his only Sky Blue first team goal.

Howard Clarke in the Sky Blue

The Hammers' David Kelly had scored the opener in the first half just after the half hour and until Keith's goal the Sky Blues seemed unlikely to break down the Hammers defence with their goalie Allen McNight playing a blinder. Cyrille Regis had a goal disallowed.

Young 'Cov Kid' debut boy Howard Clark (now a CCFPA member) impressed as he ended up with a winning start to his professional career. He eventually made 23 Sky Blue appearances (one goal) before transferring to Shrewsbury Town in 1991.

You can relive the goals courtesy of former CCFPA committee member Dean Nelson by clicking on the image below:-

Sillett's Sky Blues that day lined up as follows (all bar Gary later went on on to join this Association):-

Steve Ogrizovic, Brian Borrows, Greg Downs, Steve Sedgley, Dean Emerson (sub. Keith Thompson -2), Graham Rodger, Howard Clark, David Speedie, the late Cyrille Regis, Gary Bannister (sub. Keith Houchen -1) and David Smith.

John Lyall's Hammers' XI was as follows:-

Allen McNight, Steve Potts, Julian Dicks, Tony Gale, Alvin Martin (c), Kevin Keen, Mark Ward, David Kelly, Leroy Rosenior, Alan Dickens and Paul Ince Referee:- E.Parker

CCFC 1988-89

The two sides fought out a 1-1 draw at Upton Park in the return in March with Paul Ince finding an 81st minute equaliser to neutralise a thirteenth minute penalty strike from City's big centre half (and CCFPA member) Brian Kilcline.

Sillett's Sky Blues had a great season in 1988-89 (apart from allowing non-league Sutton United to knock them out of the Third Round of the F.A.Cup). They finished seventh, whilst West Ham United went down to Division Two in penultimate place (nineteenth) along with Middlesbrough and Newcastle United. Top of the tree that year were Champions Arsenal who squeaked the title on goal average from Liverpool.

Thanks to CCFPA's Mike Young (& Dean Nelson) for sourcing the images. Share Post