Harry’ Here for Brum on Tuesday Night

CCFPA is delighted to announce that Brian Robertswill be our special guest for the second round home (Capital One) League Cup fixture next Tuesday night (28th August 2012)  against local rivals Birmingham City. 

For many better known by his nickname ‘Harry’ (after a notorious 1960s criminal)  Brian, is no stranger to the Ricoh normally being seen in and around the corporate areas as a matchday host for Coventry City FC.  As a former player at St Andrews (1984-90) as well as Highfield Road (1974-84) Brian will be perfectly placed to run the rule over both clubs as they seek to progress to the 3rd round of the competition.

‘Harry’ started with the Sky Blues as an apprentice in the mid 1970s and quickly became a crowd favourite for his tenacious and athletic defensive work (mostly at full back) for the club as well as for his sense of humour on and off the pitch.   Brian became noted for his defensive duties (sticking closely to his target) rather than his goalscoring prowess though his occasional surging runs out of defence were also memorable. 

Despite ten years at the club and 215 first team appearances  Brian only managed just the one goal in his Highfield Road sojourn (emulating current Sky Blues assistant manager and fellow CCFPA member Richard Shaw). This came in a home 4th round F.A.Cup tie against Norwich City in January 1983.  Also a loyal servant to his two other main midland clubs (though he also got 8 games out on loan with Hereford United in 1975) Brian spent 4 seasons at Birmingham City after leaving the Sky Blues clocking up another 187 appearances (no goals) before finishing his top-class career at Molineux making a further 21 first team appearances for Wolves (no score) between 1990-92.

A footballing career totalling 431 appearances (and the one goal) is a substantial achievement. ‘Harry’ went on to building a second professional career within education becoming Head of Sport at a local private school in Leamington.  His hosting duties for the Club around the corporate areas of the Ricoh often sees him interviewing CCFPA’s (and the Club’s) illustrious guests in the various lounges. 

On Tuesday night therefore one wonders whether Brian will consider it appropriate to conduct an interview on himself! However we are sure CCFPA’s Billy Bell will be on hand to deputise should ‘Harry’ demur and Billy and ‘Harry’ are sure to provide entertaining banter on the stage of Lady G’s after the game! Welcome Brian.