Opponents - Stamford City

A London club, Stamford had one remarkable season in their long history. After gaining promotion from the Second Division in 65/66 and struggling at the bottom of the top tier, Stamford were totally transformed into a title winning side.

Stamford's traditional London stadium

After a poor result in the first match of the 69/70 season, Tommy Tilling remarkably named an entire new eleven for the second match against last season's runners up Blackport. Nobody knew where these new players had come from, but they sure were good. The strong Blackport side were swept aside with centre forward Don Davis and winger Herb Hodge catching the eye.

Star goalie Sid Tanner in action

In the next match Bert Mundy stood out in midfield, while Sid Tanner was proving to be a brilliant goalkeeper. Stamford fans were puzzled and delighted at the same time - they were on a winning streak, but where did these mystery players come from?

Sports writer Jack Millard was determined to find out. The nosey reporter concocted various schemes to discover the history of the new young footballers. Posting their pictures in local newspapers across the country hoping that somebody would recognise one. And somebody did, Terry Grant, the twin brother of striker Don Davis. This inspired Millard to try a great trick!

Don Davis scores a great header

Having unsuccesfully attempted to follow the team coach after the matches, Jack decided to get Terry on board and have him report back. The plan worked and eventually Jack worked out that Stamford's new mystrious trainer was Doctor Maxwell Kerne, former coach of the England youth team. Kerne had been sacked after experimenting on his players during a tour to South America. It turned out he was now using similar methods on talented young footballers that he had stolen from orphanages. Kerne used a combination of hypnosis, natural herbal mind altering South American drugs and intensive training to create a super side.

When the scheme was rumbled, a Football Association panel decided to allow the new Stamford team to continue, concluding that the drugs used were not performance enhancing.

Stamford romped to the league title!

The club's next period of relative success was not to come until another good run in the First Division in the late 80s and early 90s, when they had a few good battles with Melchester Rovers.