Blast From The Past 1972-73: The Sky Blues’ Seagulls Connections

Ian at a recent Legends Day

Three years ago we recommended to readers the then latest edition (Issue 73) of BackPass magazine which contained a few CCFC/CCFPA links which our Former Player members, FPs generally and Sky Blue fans might like to see again! We referred to one item with Sky Blues connections being a team photo of CCFPA active member Ian ‘Reggie’ Goodwin (1969-71) in his post City days with Brighton & Hove Albion in 1972-73.

(L-R) CCFC Coach Pat Saward, assistant manager Alan Dicks, manager Jimmy Hill, trainer Peter Hill, and physio Norman Pilgrim

CCFPA Vice Chairman Billy Bell sent us a copy of the team photo from the publication which is interesting in that it not only pictures Ian (back row far left), but also the Seagull’s manager at the time who was ex Republic of Ireland international, and (under Jimmy Hill) former Sky Blue coach then Assistant Manager Pat Saward (centre of the middle row).

Also shown front row second right is former Sky Blue junior Alan Boorn! The team photo also includes three of Billy’s countrymen, all Northern Ireland internationals, Willie Irvine, Bertie Lytton, and John Napier.

Brighton & Hove Albion 1972-73

Ian in Seagull’s colours

Ian joined the Albion in October 1970 and spent four years there (becoming club captain) after a period as a Sky Blue apprentice and then professional (making four first team appearances). Billy told us that Ian was chuffed to see this team photo at the time as he had no recollection of it! Pat became Brighton gaffer in July 1970 as his first managerial position. He had had a distinguished professional career with Millwall, Aston Villa and Huddersfield Town before joining Jimmy Hill at Highfield Road. Ian shared some stories of the “craic” he had with the lads at Brighton at the time with Billy.

Pat Saward in his office at Highfield Road

This Brighton team under Pat managed a promotion to Division Two in 1972 but the next season he was dismissed in October 1973 as the club went back down. He was replaced by Brian Clough! Ian didn’t get on with ‘Cloughy’ apparently and Ian was soon back in the Midlands and had a fabulous time subsequently with Nuneaton Borough.

Alan Boorn was an England Youth player and Sky Blues apprentice at the end of the 1960s who moved to Goldstone Road in August 1971 and got a couple of first team outings for Brighton before moving to Canterbury City in April 1973 and ending up at non league Horsham FC for the 1974-75 season.

Also of interest are a couple of articles in the Seagulls’ self styled ‘retro blog’ The Goldstone wrap which looks at Ian, Pat and Alan’s time with Brighton in 1971-72 with a team photo (below) with all three and also has an interesting article on the Sky Blues in 1970-71 when they had their sole season (so far) in Europe and beat Bayern Munich 2-1 at Highfield Road! These articles can be found here.

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