h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Since the completion of this article Chairman Mike McGinnitty has decided to terminate the contract of manager Eric Black. He was in charge for 18 games and despite a record of W9 D2 L7 was replaced by Peter Reid, before the end of the 2002-2003 season.

Nice article

Isn't there a Monty Python sketch (Communist Party Quiz I think ) one of whose gags is "No it's a trick question - Coventry City have never won the FA cup!"

Yes,there was a Python sketch that included the infamous trick question about City and the F.A.Cup,but was done before they did win it in 1987,beating Tottenham 3-2.City now have a fanzine called "Mabbutt's Left Knee" (I think that's the title,anyway) after Gary Mabbutt's own goal won the cup for City.

Enjoyed the article,by the way.Certainly brought back some memories,especially standing on the Kop one wet Friday night seeing them stuff Ipswich Town 5-0.I think Willie Carr got a first half hat trick in the game if my memory serves me well.

Thanks both of you.

It was indeed the communist party quiz, I should have bunged that in, mind you as you've probably noticed, it got a bit long.

That must have been a game I missed Compo, though that Willie Carr hat-trick is pulling a memory string somewhere, I shall have to look it up when I get home.

Mistake on my part about Willie Carr having got a first half hat trick against Ipswich - I should have said Bobby Gould.The game was played during the 1966-67 promotion year and Willie didn't make his debut till the following season.I do remember him scoring a first half hat trick against someone,though,and he looked slightly embarrased going of at half time with the crowd chanting "Willies got a hat trick!"

So,Peter Reid has got the old heave - ho,has he? Doesn't really surprise me as I personally thought he was nothing more than a typical loud mouthed,gobby Scouser who was always the first to laugh at his own jokes.Why the BBC use him as a pundit I don't know as the man bores me to death.Was it at Sunderland when he was filmed in the dressing room at half time letting rip with a foul mouthed tirade against the players.If that is modern day man management/personnel motivation,then God(if he exists)help us.I've personally walked out of four jobs - two paid and two voluntary - for less than that! Maybe McGinty should now do the honourable thing and resign himself as he obviously isn't a very good judge of character.

We live in hope - he's certainly not done very well with the managers he appointed - 8 in four years, including the 3 temporary ones.

Micky Adams - former player at the club - has been appointed manager. His first actual game in charge sees us lose 3 - 1 at Newcastle in the FA Cup. As Micky left the club in 1987 for Leeds, who Coventry later beat in their run to victory in the 1987 Cup Final, he still hasn't won the FA Cup with the club.

Let's hope Micky can motivate the players in time to stave off the possibilities of relegation,especially with moving to a new stadium next season.Heard (or read) somewhere that the players morale was at an all time low under Reids spell as manager.Unfortunately,he's one of these types who keeps getting jobs just on his name and not for having won anything,unless you call relegation an achievememt.

Hi Compo, You can probably tell from my update about Eric Black what I thought of Reid's appointment. Actually when you met him he came across as a nice bloke - very committed. Which is all well and good, but as a manager he was not very good.

Thanks for the comment about Peter Reid.My observations,admittedly,were from what I'd seen on the television (when I had a set,that is)and not through having met the man in person.Maybe I was,or am,over critical as to how people come across when they are in the public eye which is probably unfair on my part without meeting them in person to get a proper insight as to where they are coming from.At least we agree about his managerial pedigree.

Hope to potentially exchange points of view with you in the future,even if we agree to disagree with each others point of view.

When I 'met' him it was at a public event, a dinner at Highfield Road. I remember the documentary you referred to, the man I met had no pressures, and had just got a new job - I suspect he may not react well when things go wrong.

Having said that his demeanour the entire time he was a Coventry came across as 'I don't care.' When we were losing he hardly seemed to react, when we scored there was no celebration.

Always glad to talk Compo.

I think the hat trick Willie Carr scored that I mentioned near the start of this conversation came against WBA in August 1969.Can't honestly remember if it was the only one he scored,so I'm assuming this is the one I was thinking off.

I'll have to check my books, see if it sparks any memories, I was 15 in 1969 and certainly went to a few games that season.

Just logged onto the Coventry Evening Telegraphs' web pages and noticed that Noel Whelan would like to play for City again.Do you think Micky Adams will take a look at his fitness pre season or aren't you bothered whether he returns or not?

By the way,I didn't vote for the smarmy,smug faced git either!! He's the only politician I've seen who's blinded by the brilliance of his own smile.

I think Noel's propensity for the pop might put Mickey off him, a pity in many ways because he obviously had it in him to be a good player, and had some great moments in a sky blue shirt.

For Mick Gynns testimonial they had some old players, including Ernie Hunt and Willie Carr, but Tommy Hutch actuall turned out and played - I think he's 58, and one little trap, turn, run and cross (which Gynn scored from) took me straight back to the old days.

Now if Tommy was looking for a contract - I'd say sign him up, and he certainly liked a drink or two.

Certainly were good days with the players you mentioned turning up for Micky Gynns testimonial.I was at the game against Everton when Willie and Ernie did the "Donkey kick" routine.A memory to savour as well as seeing Tommy Hutchison tearing down the wing.

Another winger who was good on his day was Ernie Hannigan.Saw him play a blinder against the Baggies at the Hawthorns and how the game ended 0-0 defies description.

I remember Ronnie Rees when I first started going to games regularly, and in later times Darren Huckerby, running, head down for the corner, but Hutch was something special. The ground perked up when he got the ball, and with Steino waiting in the middle.....

On a more recent note I picked up my season ticket for the new Ricoh arena last week. The lad goes free this year (under 7) well actually it cost £8 to join the JSBs. I also got a free DVD of the Derby game, for coughing up before the end of May. There's also a dvd out of Highfield Road memories - I've dropped the hint to the family for Father's Day.

If I'd still got a telly with dvd player,I'd probably get in touch with the club for a copy of the disc you mentioned you'd got when you picked up your season ticket.

Another great name you mentioned there in Ronnie Rees.City certainly have had some good wingers in their time.Do you remember Ian Gibson - "Gibbo" - from when you first started going to Highfield Road? Played an important part in the teams promotion in the 1966-67 season.Got talking to Harrogate Hospitals' Chaplain about 15 years ago who remembered Gibbo playing for Middlesborough prior to him joining Coventry.

Gibbo was one of my first heroes - I remember us being 2-1 up against Spurs, 2 minutes to go, and Gibbo standing on the ball down by the corner flag. Alan Gilzean blew his top and came rushing in to hammer the ball out of play. Gibbo just jumped up in the air before he got there and the ball went hammering against one of those little blue invalid cars.

I thought Gilzean was going to kill him....