[Lord Snooty]

April 19:

Huddersfield Town's first ever England international died on this date in 1966 in Kensington. That man was Jack Cock, who's life story would be good enough to be the subject of a film.

In short; born in Cornwall, moved to London, signed for Town from Brentford in 1914, signed up with Footballer's Battalion, became Sergeant-Major, reported missing presumed dead, wasn't dead and actually went on to win gallantry medal, played for Brentford during breaks in military service, won London Combination League, returned to Huddersfield, gained England cap, scored four goals in a game against Bury, sold to Chelsea, made it to FA Cup semis, began acting with starring role in a silent movie, began singing career, signed for Everton, singing career flourished, signed for Plymouth, back to London with Millwall, singing career flourished further with recording contract, made another film, stopped playing in 1931, toured the country singing, became manager of Millwall, won Wartime Cup with the Lions, became landlord of White Hart in New Cross, died in 1966 aged 72.

Now if a scriptwriter can't make that into a cracking film..........

Earlier in the week, we beat Scunthorpe to almost secure promotion from the 4th Division. On this date in 1980, we did secure that promotion with a 3-1 win away at Hereford United. Town were 3-0 up with goals from Steve Kindon and two from Peter Fletcher. I don't remember much about those goals, but I do remember theirs. In those days, the goal keeper could pick up back passes legally, unlike the one at Middlesbrough yesterday.

Anyway, back passes were a legitimate part of time wasting and keepers didn't need any fancy footwork. So when Town skipper Peter Hart decided to play the ball back to Andy Rankin from the halfway line, it was no surprise. Unfortunately, he got too much on it and the ball went sailing over Rankin's head and into the back of the net. Still 3-1 up with not long to go in a game we only needed a point from, oh how we laughed.

Back on the coach after the match, back in time for the start of Sports Report on the radio and the headline was.......

Huddersfield Town are promoted. Oh how we cheered again.

Back in 1927, Town were going for a fourth League title in a row. Our brave lads were giving it a damn good go and were in 2nd place, behind Newcastle United. On this date, the Magpies came to Leeds Road and left empty handed as George Brown scored his 28th goal of the season in front of a crowd of 44,636 as Town won 1-0.

Sadly though, in the three remaining games, we failed to score, drawing 0-0 with Man Utd, losing 0-4 to Bolton and then drawing 0-0 in the last game of the season with Villa and so finished as runners up.