Jim's column 11.3.23

It's sad to report the death of former Coventry City goalkeeper Dick Dighton. Dighton, who died aged 71 on 1^st March after a long illness, was City's goalkeeper in the 1968 FA Youth Cup final against Burnley. He spent two years at Highfield Road as an apprentice professional but never played for the first team and joined Peterborough United in 1969.

Born in Corby in 1951 he was an outstanding schoolboy goalkeeper and made his debut for Corby Town as a 15-year-old at Nuneaton Borough in the Midland Floodlit Cup on May 3rd 1967 – Corby's youngest ever player. That summer he was signed on apprentice forms by Jimmy Hill and played for the 'A' and 'B' teams, vying with David Icke for the jersey in Youth Cup games. City's youth team was outstanding that season with future internationals Willie Carr and Jeff Blockley and future first-teamers Graham Paddon and Trevor Gould.

Dick played in the Youth Cup semi final second leg against Crystal Palace and kept his place for the two-leg final against Burnley. City won the first leg at Highfield Road 2-0 with goals by Paddon and Bob Allen in front of almost 15,000. There was tragedy in the second leg at Turf Moor when Dick was kicked in the head by Mick Docherty, son of Tommy, and suffered concussion and double vision. He struggled on until half-time but conceded two goals to David Hartley and finally withdrew at half-time after which Trevor Gould went in goal. Burnley won 2-0 to take the trophy 3-2 on aggregate. Dick had the consolation two weeks later of lifting the Southern Junior Floodlit Cup with a 4-1 aggregate victory over an Arsenal side which included Charlie George and Ray Kennedy.

City had a glut of 'keepers at the time including Icke, Martin Clamp as well Bill Glazier's deputy Alan Dickie and as a result Dick played one reserve game the following season – against Manchester United in front of 10,000 at Highfield Road – before Noel Cantwell released him in 1969. 

                                                               Dick in 1968

I'll let Dick's friend Clive Smith take up the story: 'Dick was soon snapped up by Peterborough where he stayed for around three years, making eight appearances. His league debut actually came against Cambridge United when he was on loan at Stockport County. Unfortunately Noel Cantwell, sacked by Coventry in 1972, turned up at Peterborough and once again released him. Some managers just take a dislike to some people it seems. Dick’s next move was to high flying Kettering Town under the managership of Ron Atkinson. Dick was soon in the first team and was a key figure in the 1973 Southern League Championship side. Memories of the campaign included Dick being sent off at Dartford for calling the referee a rude name, and a top of the table clash away at Wimbledon where ‘Big Ron’ was well pleased with the way things were going, 0-0 at half time in front of a big an agitated crowd. “Just as we ran out for the second half,” Dick remembered, “Ron stopped me and punched me in the stomach. ‘Keep a clean sheet this half and you’ll get an extra fiver in your pay packet at the end of the game’ he said. Well, Wimbledon won a corner in the first minute, and scored! First thing I thought of was ‘there goes my extra fiver!” Graeme also recalls that his dad was unlucky with injuries throughout his career. Losing his place in 1974 at the start of the season because of an ingrown toenail! '

'The next few years saw Dick playing for a number of local clubs, Rushden, Itrhlingborough, Cottingham and others. A few games here and there as he appeared to lose interest. Starting work in the Post Office at Corby in September 1977 would ironically lead him back to Corby Town. Coach Matt McIllwain was contacted by his workmates to tell him he should get a decent goalkeeper and that Dick Dighton was available if he would only get in touch with him. Matt couldn’t believe it. He duly got in touch and persuaded Dick to once more get his boots on. And ironically again, his first game back for the Steelmen after 14 years, was away at Nuneaton Borough! And once again, Corby lost 3-1!'

'Corby under new manager Colin Clarke were on the up and all was going well in the 1982/83 season until a home game against Addlestone and Weybridge on January 3rd 1983. Challenging for a cross from a corner, he landed heavily after a collision and was carried off with a cruciate ligament injury which brought a premature end to his career, though he did attempt a comeback, playing five games in the 1985/86 season. Clearly struggling with his knee Dick finally called it a day and took his goalkeeping coaching badges and became a much sought after goalkeeping coach around the leagues, eventually ending up at Corby Town with Graham Drury and the title winning team in the early 2000s.'

After retiring from the Post Office he set up his own painting and decorating business. Many thanks to Dick's widow Ann and son Graeme for their help.

Dick's funeral takes place on Wednesday 22^nd March at Kettering (Warren Hill) Crematorium.

I remember watching Dick in those brilliant Youth Cup games in 1968 but had no idea of his fascinating story. RIP Dick.