Today saw the press launch in Leamington of the biography (written by City fan & Chairman of the Coventry London Supporters Club Jonathan Strange), of Keith Houchen, probably the truest Roy of the Rovers example there is and scorer of THE goal of the 1987 cup final that is still rated one of the best ever seen at Wembley.
With members of the press present alongside fans and '87 final team members Michael Gynn, David Philips, Trevor Peake, Dave Bennett and Cyrille Regis, Jonathan thanked a number of people for their help in both producing the book and for the arrangements for the book signing at the Ricoh tomorrow ahead of the home match against Stoke. This signing takes place between 12.30-14.30pm in the Club Store where it is hoped many city fans will take advantage of Keith's return to the home of the Sky Blues – and it will be the first visit for Keith to the Ricoh.
Most of all else Jonathan thanked the contribution made by Keith and his family in both accepting the offer of having such a book written in a project that began some 3 years ago when the first approaches were made. Keith announced to those assembled that he was indeed somewhat dubious at first, especially with the enquiring prospective authors surname was Strange!.
What was evident was the respect that both Jonathan and Keith shared for each other during the process of compiling and producing the book, and both are very happy with the final result.
Time hasn't allowed a full read at the time of writing but it does chart Keith's full career which started and finished at Hartlepool United, and in-between contained the ‘shining white light' (as Keith described it earlier) experience of Wembley, with many quotes from those that have been involved in Keith's career along the way. Reading Keith's recollection of that diving header at Wembley, and the day itself, is worth the money alone.
This is surely a must have for many Coventry fans for not only one of the most personable and likeable guys around, but also for someone who will for ever remain indelibly linked with the Sky Blues greatest moments.
Many Thanks Keith and Jonathan for producing this book and let's hope that many turn out at the Ricoh tomorrow for the book signing session.
A Tenner and a Box of Kippers, the story of Keith Houchen is priced at £14.99 and is published by Stadia.