Sky Blue Simon
Thanks to Sky Blue author and fan Steve Phelps (a good friend to CCFPA) for reminding us in one of his excellent books* about the Sky Blues that on this day (4th June) in 1997 the Sky Blues signed a promising Welsh big target man striker named Simon Haworth from his home town and first club Cardiff City for £500k. Simon had come through the youth scheme at Ninian Park and from 1995 had not only knocked in eight goals in his 35 games for the Bluebirds but also had won the first of his eventual five full international caps for Wales between 1997-98.
Simon Haworth in Sky Blue action
Born on 3rd January 1978 Simon made his Sky Blue debut as a sub on 4th October 1997 in a goalless draw at Highfield Road against Leeds United coming on for young (now fellow CCFPA member) Andy Ducros (himself an earlier substitute for Michael O’Neill). In fact, Simon came off the bench as many games as he started (seven times) in his short Sky Blue career where he sadly failed to fulfil his potential!
He was sold to Wigan Athletic for a profit (£600k) in October 1998 and there he managed to show his ability helping them to Football League Trophy success in 1998–99 season. After an impressive 59 goals in 145 appearances for the Latics he then (February 2002) joined Tranmere Rovers for £125k but unfortunately during 2003–04 suffered a double fracture to his right leg which kept him out of the game for around eight months.
His attempted comeback in November 2004 foundered due to continuing pain from the injury so he hung up his boots having scored a decent total of 34 goals in his 89 games for Rovers.
Simon then pursued business ventures and also went into club management guiding the affairs of non league outfits Eagley (2013), Clitheroe (2016) and Stalybridge Celtic (2018 to the end of May 2022). Simon also assisted the coaching staff of Shrewsbury Town in 2
