In 1958–59, CCFC was competing in the old Division Four, and they were known as the “Bantams,” as they were called before Jimmy Hill. After finishing in the bottom half of the Third Division South the season before reorganisation, they were promoted to the new fourth division. Similar to how the Sky Blues did in 2017–18, when they were able to advance directly from the fourth division (now League Two) on their first try, they did it this time around despite not taking first place!
During his second stint in charge of CCFC this season, JH’s predecessor, former wing half Billy Frith, began to make sure his teams were competitive at this level following a dismal start to the season with no wins. The team’s goals were primarily scored by former Derby County inside forward Ray Straw, an Ilkeston native who was also a miner, and by subsequent centre forwards Jimmy Rogers, a recruit of Bristol City, and Scot George Stewart, a December replacement who joined from Accrington Stanley. Of the 92 goals scored by the team this season, Ray scored thirty for City in the League and Cup, Jim scored fourteen, and George scored fifteen.
22,281 people showed up to see local rivals Northampton Town on this day in 1958 (18 October), when they were the guests of Highfield Road. With the exception of a 1-2 home loss to Carlisle United, a rival for promotion, at the end of September, the Bantams had won six of their previous eight games in Coventry. Frith’s team easily defeated the Cobblers by two goals, with Ray “Toffee” Straw scoring a brace of headers on minutes 58 and 62 to seal the victory!
At the end of the season, the Bantams’ lone home defeat in their new uniform was against Carlisle United, as they were promoted to Division Three right away after finishing in second place. Over his four seasons with CCFC, Ray made 158 appearances with the first team, scoring an incredible 87 goals in the process. Ray became the first player in the nation to play in all six English League divisions on both sides of the reorganisation, with the Rams (Divisions 1, 2, and 3 North) and CCFC (Divisions 3 South, 4, and Division Three), when he began play in the newly formed Division Three in 1958–59! Ray ultimately relocated to Mansfield Town during the 1961 offseason, concluding in nontwo years later, league football with Lockheed (AP) Leamington.
For the record, the members of the Bantams team on October 1st (those who subsequently joined CCFPA are highlighted) were:-
Alf Wood, Roy Kirk, Lol Harvey, Brian Nicholas, George Curtis, Mick Kearns, Peter Hill, Ray Straw, Jimmy Rogers, Reg Ryan and Ken Satchwell.
George became Sky Blue Manager and experienced the team’s 1987 F.A. Cup win at Wembley. George and Mick travelled aboard JH’s “Sky Blue Express” all the way to Division One. Regretfully, almost all of these CCFC veterans—most recently, Brian and the “Iron Man”—have already died away (*), but we’re happy to report that both Mick and Brian, who regularly attended Sky Blues home games until the COVID emergency, are still active members!
Cobblers in formation:
Ben Collins, Roly Mills, Ollie Norris, Alan Woan, Reg Elvey, Jimmy Bannister, Ron Patterson, Ray Yeoman, Kevin Baron, Barry Hawkings, and Tommy Fowler.
Former Cobblers forward line player and CCFPA member Barry Hawkings also played for Coventry City in the early 1950s. There was just one home loss for the Bantams over the entire season!
The Bantams found it challenging to visit Northampton Town’s County ground, which also served as the County cricket pitch during the summer, and this season was no different as they soundly defeated us 4-0 there in early March! Ultimately, they concluded their Division Four campaign in eighth place, and the Bantams bid farewell to the bottom league!
Promoted teams included York City (third behind City on goal differential), fourth-placed Shrewsbury Town, and champion Port Vale. On the opposite end of the spectrum (in decreasing order), Oldham Athletic, Aldershot, Barrow, and Southport were compelled to run for re-election to the FL, all of which were successful.
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