DON, DEBUTS, CARDS, LEE AND DONS

On this day in 1954, two great names made their debut for England away to Northern Ireland in the Home Championship. Each scored a goal in England's 2-0 victory. One was Johnny Haynes, who went on to play 56 times for England, 22 as captain. Don Revie who played for Manchester City but only won 6 caps and then went on to manage the national team. Fulham's Johnny Haynes went on to play 56 times for England, 22 as captain and although Don Revie of Manchester City only won 6 caps, he later went on to manage the national team. (below)

The communication between referees, players and those watching is a serious issue today. Modern day television and the rest of technology do not appear to be solving the decision making between players, coaches, referees, linesmen, fourth official and media! Read the news if you don't know what this is all about. So.....On the 2nd October 1976, this happened: The idea of using red and yellow cards by referees was credited to Ken Ashton (below right). Ken, an Englishman, who had refereed at the top level, he was well-versed in the problems referees had communicating with players, particularly when differing languages were concerned. Ken was driving down Kensington High Street in London when a traffic light in front of him turned red. He thought what was good enough for the traffic would be perfect for referees -  'Yellow, take it easy; red, stop, you're off’. 

The cards were trialled at the 1970 World Cup finals in Mexico but we had to wait until Saturday October 2nd 1976 when they were introduced to the Football League, and two players were red-carded. The first was David Wagstaff of Blackburn Rovers after 36 minutes of their Second Division match at Orient after arguing with the ref. The second came in the 67th minute of another Second Division match when a Fulham player was red-carded for foul language at Southampton. That Fulham player was George Best - guess which player got the most publicity!

Francis Lee, died today (this year) aged 79, a well medalled player, he returned to City as club Chairman. 

He was....

• Football League First Division Golden boot: 1971-2
• Manchester City Player of the Year: 1970
• inducted into English Hall of Fame
• awarded 1969 Ballon d'Or 13th 
• Most Penalty Scored in First Division: 1972
• Manchester City top goalscorer: 1969, 1970 (shared), 1971 (shared), 1972, 1974
• awarded the OBE

On this day in 1954, two great names made their debut for England away to Northern Ireland in the Home Championship. Each scored a goal in England's 2-0 victory. One was Johnny Haynes, who went on to play 56 times for England, 22 as captain. The other, Don Revie...see above.

On this day 1991, Wimbledon AFC played Sheffield Wednesday in front of a 3,121crowd at Selhurst Park, when the Dons were ground sharing. The Dons won 2-1, in front of the lowest top-flight crowd since the War.