For those that remember 1967 (1 Viewer)

bigfatronssba · Dec 27, 2025

Did it feel like this? I know we had a good few years before promotion, but did you go into the 66-67 season expecting promotion? Once you got to Christmas, did it feel like we were really going to do it?
I'd love to know from the older fans if it feels similar to this season.

If we do pull it off, this will be something that most of the fanbase will have never experienced

sc1940 · Dec 27, 2025

It was much closer in 67, we didn't start opening a gap until around March. From memory Wolves were favourite to win the league until we beat them.

robbiethemole · Dec 27, 2025

I was 13, so lots of stuff went over my head, but it did start to feel special after Feb. Every game had a real buzz around it and people were talking about if it would happen (history is repeating ) As a child, I started going with my Dad, but by 13 it was with a couple of mates on Marvins bus from Rugby. The old man was always keen to keep up with things tho, and my Mum (who died 8 years ago aged 100 ) always asked 'how's the City doing ?'.

capel & collindridge · Dec 27, 2025

sc1940 said:
It was much closer in 67, we didn't start opening a gap until around March. From memory Wolves were favourite to win the league until we beat them.

That's how I remember it too.

sc1940 · Dec 27, 2025

Looking at that year's final table, we finished on 59 points (2 points for a win) So in today's value 23 wins and 13 draws = 82. But that was a 42 game season. So that would equate to 90 points (89.8) over a 46 game season. Coincidently the number we are visualising now.

Mucca Mad Boys · Dec 28, 2025

sc1940 said:
Looking at that year's final table, we finished on 59 points (2 points for a win) So in today's value 23 wins and 13 draws = 82. But that was a 42 game season. So that would equate to 90 points (89.8) over a 46 game season. Coincidently the number we are visualising now.

I think we’ll beat that. We’re currently on 2.2 ppg and we’ve more or less played the entire top half away from home, with only Hull and Bristol City to play in the Top 6. Birmingham’s home form has dropped off so what looked like a scary fixture looks winnable now.

Our away form has slowed because we’ve had tough games, after Wrexham the away form is 2-2-1 but those games have been against Stoke, Boro, Ipswich, PNE and Southampton. That’s a tough run that most teams would struggle with.

Irish Sky Blue · Dec 28, 2025

My first game was a 2-1 home win against fellow promotion contenders Carlisle in February 1967. As a nine year old I just thought that we were fantastic and that promotion was inevitable as we were obviously the best team in the league.

Having read all the books about that season, particularly Jim Brown’s and also listened to his Sky Blues History podcast my childish certainty in our success was at least slightly misplaced.

The previous year we had finished third and missed out on promotion by a whisker on the last day of the season. The expectation amongst the fans therefore was that 66-67 was going to be our season. However we didn’t start particularly well and Jimmy Hill was taking a lot of criticism. The low point I think was the falling out between Hill and our midfield genius Ian Gibson. We were off the pace, Gibson was out of the team and wanting a transfer and an odd gate below 20k showed that promotion was looking a distant prospect.

With Coventry sitting 7th in late November, Hill and Gibson made up and the team never looked back after beating Cardiff 3-2 remaining unbeaten (25 matches?) until the end of the season.

We confirmed promotion 4 games from the end of the season with a draw at Cardiff. This meant when we met Wolves a week later at Highfield Road in the ‘Midlands Match of the Century’ (Hill’s words) both teams were already promoted. Even though we beat Wolves that day in front of a record 50k+ crowd, Wanderers remained favourites for the title. However on the last day of the season, Wolves lost at Palace and we beat Millwall to clinch the title.

I was lucky enough to see 6 of our last 8 home games that season including the Wolves (memories of which will stay with me forever) and Millwall games.

I think there are a few differences between that season and this one. Expectation in 1966 was really high. I think fans really thought we would get promoted ( and in those days that meant finishing top two, no play offs). I think this season expectations were also high but I think most would have been happy with another play off push. I think most fans would admit that they never expected us to challenge for the title.

In 66-67 we never dominated the league in the way we have this season. Throughout the season we were challenged by Wolves, Blackburn, Carlisle and I think Huddersfield. It was only at the end that Wolves and ourselves pulled clear.

In 1966 it was much easier to make a snap decision to go to a game. You’d pay on the gate and stand on the terrace. Season tickets weren’t anywhere near as big a thing as they are now. This season we have been guaranteed, at least in theory, 24k. In 66-67 the range of gates was massive. The lowest being under 20k and the highest being over 50k. The average that season was about 28k so we will beat that this season.

Since we hit the top this season we have dominated the league and have become clear favourites. I would think in 66-67 we were one of the favourites but the odds would have been a lot longer than this season.

I think they are very different seasons in the way that they have played out. Hopefully the final outcome will be the same, perhaps not as close or as nerve wracking this season.

StrettoBoy · Dec 28, 2025

I was 11 at the start of that season, turning 12 in February. I always had the eternal optimism of youth that we would get promotion but we certainly weren’t running away with things. Our performances seemed to get better as the season went on.

I well remember the famous victory against Wolves that secured success. There were thousands of fans around the edge of the pitch, up the floodlight pylons, on the stand roofs and on the roof of the Spion Kop toilets.

At the end of the match thousands of us invaded the pitch to celebrate. What a day it was!

dadgad · Dec 28, 2025

robbiethemole said:
I was 13, so lots of stuff went over my head, but it did start to feel special after Feb. Every game had a real buzz around it and people were talking about if it would happen (history is repeating ) As a child, I started going with my Dad, but by 13 it was with a couple of mates on Marvins bus from Rugby. The old man was always keen to keep up with things tho, and my Mum (who died 8 years ago aged 100 ) always asked 'how's the City doing ?'.

Marvin’s!!! They used to pick me up at Lawford by which time the inside of the bus was a fug of tobacco smoke; Woodbines mostly. The matches were not easy, cagey affairs with lots of effort. Ian Gibson was the catalyst ably supported by Curtis, Farmer, Bruck, Machin, Rees and Glazier, all good, but Gibbo had that little bit of genius that time and time again unlocked defences.
The Wolves match is justly regarded as iconic and unforgettable by all those who were there….well over 51K btw,

JohnWH · Dec 28, 2025

Three cheers for whoever is willing to update wikipedia's general "1967" column to include a few sentences for the date promotion was secured.
I just took a read thru the year as a whole and, whew, it was a busy year from a global history perspective.
Coups, wars, Thurgood Marshall, Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, and Charles Manson releaseed from prison....
Dare say, the Coventry promotion into top flight (for a 30+ year tenure!) could be due a good shout on the first place kids go to (before AI?? Damn kids these days will never slouch thru microfilm) for their history papers.

Otis · Dec 28, 2025

I was just a little too young to remember.

First games I ever remember past reserve games, was the first season on Division 1, so after we got promoted.

Irish Sky Blue · Dec 28, 2025

Irish Sky Blue said:
My first game was a 2-1 home win against fellow promotion contenders Carlisle in February 1967. As a nine year old I just thought that we were fantastic and that promotion was inevitable as we were obviously the best team in the league.

Having read all the books about that season, particularly Jim Brown’s and also listened to his Sky Blues History podcast my childish certainty in our success was at least slightly misplaced.

The previous year we had finished third and missed out on promotion by a whisker on the last day of the season. The expectation amongst the fans therefore was that 66-67 was going to be our season. However we didn’t start particularly well and Jimmy Hill was taking a lot of criticism. The low point I think was the falling out between Hill and our midfield genius Ian Gibson. We were off the pace, Gibson was out of the team and wanting a transfer and an odd gate below 20k showed that promotion was looking a distant prospect.

With Coventry sitting 7th in late November, Hill and Gibson made up and the team never looked back after beating Cardiff 3-2 remaining unbeaten (25 matches?) until the end of the season.

We confirmed promotion 4 games from the end of the season with a draw at Cardiff. This meant when we met Wolves a week later at Highfield Road in the ‘Midlands Match of the Century’ (Hill’s words) both teams were already promoted. Even though we beat Wolves that day in front of a record 50k+ crowd, Wanderers remained favourites for the title. However on the last day of the season, Wolves lost at Palace and we beat Millwall to clinch the title.

I was lucky enough to see 6 of our last 8 home games that season including the Wolves (memories of which will stay with me forever) and Millwall games.

I think there are a few differences between that season and this one. Expectation in 1966 was really high. I think fans really thought we would get promoted ( and in those days that meant finishing top two, no play offs). I think this season expectations were also high but I think most would have been happy with another play off push. I think most fans would admit that they never expected us to challenge for the title.

In 66-67 we never dominated the league in the way we have this season. Throughout the season we were challenged by Wolves, Blackburn, Carlisle and I think Huddersfield. It was only at the end that Wolves and ourselves pulled clear.

In 1966 it was much easier to make a snap decision to go to a game. You’d pay on the gate and stand on the terrace. Season tickets weren’t anywhere near as big a thing as they are now. This season we have been guaranteed, at least in theory, 24k. In 66-67 the range of gates was massive. The lowest being under 20k and the highest being over 50k. The average that season was about 28k so we will beat that this season.

Since we hit the top this season we have dominated the league and have become clear favourites. I would think in 66-67 we were one of the favourites but the odds would have been a lot longer than this season.

I think they are very different seasons in the way that they have played out. Hopefully the final outcome will be the same, perhaps not as close or as nerve wracking this season.

COVKIDSNEVERQUIT · Dec 28, 2025

Last time we got promoted to the top flight the year had a six in it.

Bad Boy · Dec 28, 2025

robbiethemole said:
I was 13, so lots of stuff went over my head, but it did start to feel special after Feb. Every game had a real buzz around it and people were talking about if it would happen (history is repeating ) As a child, I started going with my Dad, but by 13 it was with a couple of mates on Marvins bus from Rugby. The old man was always keen to keep up with things tho, and my Mum (who died 8 years ago aged 100 ) always asked 'how's the City doing ?'.

Same age as you rtm and as you said things going over my head too but by God it was bloody exciting.

Little old Coventry City promoted to the 1st division.

Kneeza · Dec 29, 2025

capel & collindridge said:
That's how I remember it too.

Yeah, me too.
I was 13, and as stated elsewhere, it was a bit over my head too, but I feckin' loved it all - particularly in the covered end at 'that' season-defining match.
It was such a blow, though, when that incredible 25 match unbeaten run came to an end on the first day of the following season.

Johhny Blue · Dec 29, 2025

Irish Sky Blue said:
My first game was a 2-1 home win against fellow promotion contenders Carlisle in February 1967. As a nine year old I just thought that we were fantastic and that promotion was inevitable as we were obviously the best team in the league.

Having read all the books about that season, particularly Jim Brown’s and also listened to his Sky Blues History podcast my childish certainty in our success was at least slightly misplaced.

The previous year we had finished third and missed out on promotion by a whisker on the last day of the season. The expectation amongst the fans therefore was that 66-67 was going to be our season. However we didn’t start particularly well and Jimmy Hill was taking a lot of criticism. The low point I think was the falling out between Hill and our midfield genius Ian Gibson. We were off the pace, Gibson was out of the team and wanting a transfer and an odd gate below 20k showed that promotion was looking a distant prospect.

With Coventry sitting 7th in late November, Hill and Gibson made up and the team never looked back after beating Cardiff 3-2 remaining unbeaten (25 matches?) until the end of the season.

We confirmed promotion 4 games from the end of the season with a draw at Cardiff. This meant when we met Wolves a week later at Highfield Road in the ‘Midlands Match of the Century’ (Hill’s words) both teams were already promoted. Even though we beat Wolves that day in front of a record 50k+ crowd, Wanderers remained favourites for the title. However on the last day of the season, Wolves lost at Palace and we beat Millwall to clinch the title.

I was lucky enough to see 6 of our last 8 home games that season including the Wolves (memories of which will stay with me forever) and Millwall games.

I think there are a few differences between that season and this one. Expectation in 1966 was really high. I think fans really thought we would get promoted ( and in those days that meant finishing top two, no play offs). I think this season expectations were also high but I think most would have been happy with another play off push. I think most fans would admit that they never expected us to challenge for the title.

In 66-67 we never dominated the league in the way we have this season. Throughout the season we were challenged by Wolves, Blackburn, Carlisle and I think Huddersfield. It was only at the end that Wolves and ourselves pulled clear.

In 1966 it was much easier to make a snap decision to go to a game. You’d pay on the gate and stand on the terrace. Season tickets weren’t anywhere near as big a thing as they are now. This season we have been guaranteed, at least in theory, 24k. In 66-67 the range of gates was massive. The lowest being under 20k and the highest being over 50k. The average that season was about 28k so we will beat that this season.

Since we hit the top this season we have dominated the league and have become clear favourites. I would think in 66-67 we were one of the favourites but the odds would have been a lot longer than this season.

I think they are very different seasons in the way that they have played out. Hopefully the final outcome will be the same, perhaps not as close or as nerve wracking this season.

However high we get I don’t think I’ll ever experience a game (atmosphere) like that Wolves game.

bradwellskyblues · Dec 29, 2025

First match was September 66 Bristol City won 1 0 last game that season Millwall won 3 1 and won the league, ran on the pitch to celebrate infront of Directors box fantastic day . I fully intend to the same this season if and when promotion is decided ,note of caution it’s still a long way to go.

Feb57 · Dec 29, 2025

I was 10 when we got promoted to the old First division. I too ran on the pitch in that final game against Millwall. It was the first game I had been allowed to go to with my mates. Will live with me until I am no more. However, people seem to forget we became champions only on that day. Going into the last game it was Wolverhamptons to lose. If Wolves had won away at Crystal Palace( from memory) we would have finished second despite beating Millwall. They lost and we won. Happy days.
I also seem to remember them starting work on demolishing the old Terrace roofing at the West end of the ground( I think we originaly purchased it from Twickenham but happy to be corrected) as soon as the game finished. They had to build in the close season what became the West End and West Stand where I spent many hours watching the City right up until we left Highfield road. I can’t remember if the building work was completed on time or not. Perhaps someone can fill in that gap.

Gynnsthetonic · Dec 29, 2025

Great memories from the guys that were there

glasgowfan · Dec 29, 2025

Irish Sky Blue said:
We confirmed promotion 4 games from the end of the season with a draw at Cardiff. This meant when we met Wolves a week later at Highfield Road in the ‘Midlands Match of the Century’ (Hill’s words) both teams were already promoted. Even though we beat Wolves that day in front of a record 50k+ crowd, Wanderers remained favourites for the title. However on the last day of the season, Wolves lost at Palace and we beat Millwall to clinch the title.

I think the Wolves game was the one where we had stunt motorcyclists zooming up and down in front of the main stand for the pre-match entertainment.
Or is my aged brain failing me?

Gynnsthetonic · Dec 29, 2025

Feb57 said:
I was 10 when we got promoted to the old First division. I too ran on the pitch in that final game against Millwall. It was the first game I had been allowed to go to with my mates. Will live with me until I am no more. However, people seem to forget we became champions only on that day. Going into the last game it was Wolverhamptons to lose. If Wolves had won away at Crystal Palace( from memory) we would have finished second despite beating Millwall. They lost and we won. Happy days.
I also seem to remember them starting work on demolishing the old Terrace roofing at the West end of the ground( I think we originaly purchased it from Twickenham but happy to be corrected) as soon as the game finished. They had to build in the close season what became the West End and West Stand where I spent many hours watching the City right up until we left Highfield road. I can’t remember if the building work was completed on time or not. Perhaps someone can fill in that gap.

My dad was at the Wolves game too so has told me stories. Amazing how they built that West Stand in the close season. Didn't Derrick Robins own a building business in Banbury which supplied materials and built it

Stafford_SkBlue · Dec 29, 2025

The West Stand was operationally for our first home game in the top tier, (sorry about the pun) against the Blades. I think the Club asked not to be at home for the first day of the season.
Like the Mole, I was also 13 for this season. I hoped for promotion but after the win at Wolves in December I knew we would do it. I also remember the Northampton home game towards the end of the season, around Easter time, and promotion fever had definitely come. The Northampton gate was 38k for an evening game, swelled with a large away following.

Bad Boy · Dec 29, 2025

Who had a rattle back in the day then?

We'd stand on the platform on the back of the bus from the Telegraph offices all the way to Pool Meadow making a hell of a noise with ours.

The Great Eastern · Dec 29, 2025

Stafford_SkBlue said:
The West Stand was operationally for our first home game in the top tier, (sorry about the pun) against the Blades. I think the Club asked not to be at home for the first day of the season.
Like the Mole, I was also 13 for this season. I hoped for promotion but after the win at Wolves in December I knew we would do it. I also remember the Northampton home game towards the end of the season, around Easter time, and promotion fever had definitely come. The Northampton gate was 38k for an evening game, swelled with a large away following.

The days when the Cobblers went from Div 4 to Div one and back down to Div 4 in about 7 seasons !

Irish Sky Blue · Dec 29, 2025

glasgowfan said:
I think the Wolves game was the one where we had stunt motorcyclists zooming up and down in front of the main stand for the pre-match entertainment.
Or is my aged brain failing me?

Don’t think it could have been that game (although might be wrong) as there were hundreds if not thousands of kids sitting on the running track all the way around the ground

olderskyblue · Dec 29, 2025

Irish Sky Blue said:
Don’t think it could have been that game (although might be wrong) as there were hundreds if not thousands of kids sitting on the running track all the way around the ground

I was 13, and don’t remember any motorcyclists. We were in the west end 1.5 hrs before ko, eventually being moved onto the grass.

wingy · Dec 29, 2025

Feb57 said:
I was 10 when we got promoted to the old First division. I too ran on the pitch in that final game against Millwall. It was the first game I had been allowed to go to with my mates. Will live with me until I am no more. However, people seem to forget we became champions only on that day. Going into the last game it was Wolverhamptons to lose. If Wolves had won away at Crystal Palace( from memory) we would have finished second despite beating Millwall. They lost and we won. Happy days.
I also seem to remember them starting work on demolishing the old Terrace roofing at the West end of the ground( I think we originaly purchased it from Twickenham but happy to be corrected) as soon as the game finished. They had to build in the close season what became the West End and West Stand where I spent many hours watching the City right up until we left Highfield road. I can’t remember if the building work was completed on time or not. Perhaps someone can fill in that gap.

Likely done but Brandon and Seery who had a yard down hearsall lane, although thinking about it,too big for them.

Skyblue Bangkok · Dec 29, 2025

Gynnsthetonic said:
My dad was at the Wolves game too so has told me stories. Amazing how they built that West Stand in the close season. Didn't Derrick Robins own a building business in Banbury which supplied materials and built it

It was my first ever Cov game . Just walking near the beach in Pattaya and bump into a Cov fan called Tony in the orange away shirt .

bigfatronssba · Dec 29, 2025

Gynnsthetonic said:
My dad was at the Wolves game too so has told me stories. Amazing how they built that West Stand in the close season. Didn't Derrick Robins own a building business in Banbury which supplied materials and built it

I’ve seen pictures of that being built and it looks like they literally just built it on top of the old West Terrace. So no groundwork’s involved

Old Warwickshire lad · Dec 29, 2025

I vaguely remember Huddersfield coming in December, and Harold Wilson ( prime minister) being introduced to the crowd.
We lost 3-1?
That seemed to be the kick up the arse we needed, and that was it.
Think next time we lost it was in Division 1

Ccfcfollower · Dec 29, 2025

I was 14 and what I do remember was the great camaraderie within the team and today’s team has the same spirit.

glasgowfan · Dec 29, 2025

Irish Sky Blue said:
Don’t think it could have been that game (although might be wrong) as there were hundreds if not thousands of kids sitting on the running track all the way around the ground

That makes sense, although........
See 3m45s

Joe King · Dec 29, 2025

Old Warwickshire lad said:
I vaguely remember Huddersfield coming in December, and Harold Wilson ( prime minister) being introduced to the crowd.
We lost 3-1?
That seemed to be the kick up the arse we needed, and that was it.
Think next time we lost it was in Division 1

That was my first ever game, but I'm sure it was 1964? I was 11 at the time.

Joe King · Dec 29, 2025

glasgowfan said:
That makes sense, although........
See 3m45s

I was there!

Old Warwickshire lad · Dec 29, 2025

Joe King said:
That was my first ever game, but I'm sure it was 1964? I was 11 at the time.

Memory plays tricks as you age. Thinking about it,1964 makes sense as labour won the election that year.
He would have been the new prime minister.

For those that remember 1967 (1 Viewer)

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