Sent in by Anne Cochrane
While many were tuned in to the European action featuring Manchester United and Spurs last night, an unexpected name cropped up during the BBC Radio 5 Live commentary: Bob Brocklebank.
The reason? A quirky statistic involving Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou. The Australian has become the first manager since 1963 to go without a 0-0 draw in his first 100 games managing a league club in all competitions. The last to do it? None other than Bob Brocklebank, then manager of Bradford City.
The commentary team were particularly amused by Bob’s surname, but there’s a far more significant reason we remember Bob round here.
Before his managerial career, Bob Brocklebank had a distinguished spell in football and cricket. Not only did he play for Burnley FC, but during the war he turned out for Burnley Cricket Club—before eventually joining Lowerhouse, where he captained the side. It’s believed he also served as a policeman during wartime.
Bob’s story, and his connection to both the Clarets and Lowerhouse, was featured in our 300th History Books post five years ago, which marked the 75th anniversary of VE Day. That article, which includes a mini bio of Bob and details of the VE charity game, is well worth another read:
👉 75 Years Ago: How Lowerhouse and Burnley Helped Celebrate the End of WW2
Football and cricket often share unexpected links—but it’s always a special moment when one of our own pops up on national radio.
#UTH 💛💙