Bearwood Owl1

Kenny Lunt

I went to a play off final a while ago where they announced Southend's striker as 'Big Bad' Barry Corr. I don't remember him being either of those things for the Owls.

Bernard Shaw certainly wasn't happy.

Made him captain, offered him a new contract - and then released him at the end of the 75/76 season. This extra-ordinary article might explain why.

Here's Allan/Alan (take your pick - the club programme calls him by both names in the 1970s). He's with a goal-scoring superstar here. Someone who's name would strike fear into the heart of defenders far and wide. Someone who's goalscoring feats are legendary..... And some Brazilian fella as well :)

I just loved the picture. She may well have been playing at the Fiesta Club and calling in on a friend :) Picture from early 1974.

Fair play. I agree then. Get him in the England squad :)

I think that article is stunning by today's standards. He lays into the players by name (Fox and Shaw) and indirectly - accusing others of not giving 100% and others of stinking of booze. Incredible really. Not sure if the Star would run a 2019 equivalent?!

You probably know that he's Welsh. He could well be called up soon on recent form though.

My brother works with Aaron Jameson. Had a couple of offers from teams at L2/conference level. Didn't want to spend more time as a reserve though, so decided to get a job and play part time.

I've got a book coming out next spring about the dark years of 1973-76. It's already listed on Amazon :) https://www.amazon.co.uk/Our-Lowest-Ebb-2020-Wednesdays/dp/1908847174/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=john+dyson+our+lowest+ebb&qid=1572216905&sr=8-1 To whet everyone's appetite for what will inevitably be a Harry Potter style best seller, here are a selection of images of the period. (The bus one's slightly earlier - I just liked it!)

Not the clearest picture - but here's something I found showing Hillsborough in its early 70s finery. And EWT on the phone :)

Which is pretty much what I conclude :)

Hahaha - it's currently a succint 90,000 words. Funnily enough there are plenty of fans who remember the time with some fondness :)

My book on the Owls darkest times ofor 1973-76 will be out in the spring. Eric Taylor is mentioned in there - generally positively though with mention that there were 'Taylor Out' chants and protests. The stadium remained a world class one into the 70s - with plenty of FA Cup semi-finals and even a Northern Ireland international held there. I can understand the frustration of fans who remember the early/mid 70s as they witnessed a decline from the fantastic 60/61 team to near relegation to D4. I do think that Eric Taylor was/is the wrong target for that frustration though.

I know the fella who owns that. Not sure if he's on here. Real good bloke though. And great plate :)

Thanks :) I'll have a hunt around for it from the clues!

I wonder if that quote's available somewhere? Interesting if so.

Now that is a mystery!

I agree. Tommy Craig had left by Christmas, Eric McMordie couldn't be persuaded to stay. Joicey and particularly Prendergast were injured. Only signings really were Colin Harvey and Phil Henson. Lots of youth. Regardless of SB's skills as a manager (or not) - surely anyone would have struggled in those circumstances?

Hope you like it when it's out. Published next Spring via Vertical Editions - same people who did Lee Bullen and Carlton Palmer's books. Should be available in the megastore and in all good bookshops! It aims to reflect the fond memories that some have of the time, while not skirting over how truly dreadful some of it was. Couple of interviews to complete - one of which is hopefully with Steve Burtenshaw if his health is up to it - then lots of editing and proofreading before it's fit for the world to see!

I've got a book coming out on the period next year - hence me keeping popping up on here asking questions! The conclusions to the book are proving one of the most difficult sections to write. Behind the scenes, there were changes which eventually bore fruit. On the pitch it was often horrendous. SB's time in charge saw the worst of all that. And yet... there's a certain fondness for the time from some at least. I'm stewing on it all for a while before writing it up :)

I think Ron Atkinson tells the story. Maybe a little exaggerated for effect?

The reasons for our failures were multiple under Dooley, Burtenshaw then Ashurst in the mid 70s. Ashurst was wily but still only just kept us in D3 for example. I'm not necessarily defending SB but there are common factors across the period of decline - money, declining g attendances, boardroom squabbles, sale of key players, injuries and illness. All those troubled SB's team. Excellent coach, not so good manager, working in hugely difficult circumstances is my general conclusion. Several tales of him being a nice guy as well (not that would help his management of course).