On this day (22nd October) in 1988 the Sky Blues’ Division One season had begun in good shape. Former player, now ‘gaffer’ (and long time CCFPA member until his death) John Sillett had seen his side win four and only lose two of their first seven league fixtures and the Sky Blues were sitting handily in third place. The side’s composition and shape was settled and last time out, the previous Saturday, Sillett’s men, though fighting out a 0-0 draw with newly promoted Millwall, had knocked them off top spot.
Graham in Sky Blue action
Today was another stern test as the Sky Blues travelled to Anfield to take on the mighty Reds in front of a big crowd of 38,742 (what would prove to be the highest gate to see the Sky Blues this season). Snoz’s men came away from the home of Liverpool with a very creditable goalless draw and kept their third spot (with the Reds sixth on the day).
Killer in the Sky Blue
With our stalwart central defender Brian Kilcline injured in the game with the Lions, City were forced to change their team for the first time this season and drafted in 1987 F.A.Cup final Wembley winner Graham Rodger (now ‘Killer’s’ fellow CCFPA member) as deputy. Graham didn’t look out of place in the five man City defence as the Reds were repulsed. City had still to win at Anfield but took a lot of credit in keeping Liverpool‘s much vaunted attack scoreless.
