25th April 1988

[Baz]

As we didn't qualify for the play-offs in 87-88, a post season friendly was arranged with the Barons at Solihull. I have a programme for this game, but cannot find any record of the game anywhere. Did the game ever take place? Anyone got any stats (Stef/PeteW)?

Thanks. Free lifetime membership to the Anorak Club for anyone that can help.

[Deleted]

Interesting one Baz.

I was still saving newspaper clippings at that time. In the Football Post for 23 April 1988 was a small piece:

"Panthers visit Midland rivals Solihull on Monday night in a challenge match arranged as part of the swop deal involving netminders David Graham and Ian Woodward.

All doesn't appear well, though, for the Barons who apparently tried to secure Alex Dampier as coach before settling for Frank Fera once again.

Fera, brother of Solihull's top scorer Rick, isn't exactly 'Mr Popular' with either the players or the supporters despite the team having just enjoyed their most successful season for years.

I'm told that moves are already being made to prevent him returning, including a petition signed by 2,000 fans.

I didn't know they had that many..."

After that, nothing. No match report or even a result in any papers thereafter. I can only guess that in view of the above the game wasn't played, but I honestly don't know.

Pete, Spik?

[Baz]

Thanks Stef. That's as much as I can find out also. No mention is made on Pete's site, and Spik wasn't aware of the fixture. I can only assume therefore that it never happened.

[rebjay123]

solihull mmm, remember the slanty windows we sat in for a good view of the game??? fell out of there and broke mt wrist!!! brilliant pizza place over the road though.

[spik]

I have stuck this one in my FIXTURES that appear in my new book.
Have we confirmed it as a game yet.I can only assume it happened without my researching the Evening Post archives again.

I don't have the programme... ....need a copy BAZ..please.

[Deleted]

spikc said:

I have stuck this one in my FIXTURES that appear in my new book.
Have we confirmed it as a game yet.

The evidence (or lack of it) suggests the game did not take place.

What about Mick Holland? Would he remember?

[spik]

I will have to ask him on my next call into the EP offices.

[Glynn M]

Might be worth asking Simmsy, he was Mr Solihull around that time wasn't he?

[spik]

Was he really? Might be worth a stab. Anyone want to stab Simmsy for the info...Seriously though I called MH and he says he'll have a look at things and see if he can come up with anything.

[ashfieldpanther]

I remember going to a postseason game at Solihull - best described as 'chippy' ! Both times had nothing to play for so there were a few fights. The upshot was near the end Paul Heavey tripped Craig Melancon, got the puck, scored, Melancon went barmy but from the faceoff he got the puck and then scored so at the next faceoff Heaves jumped on Craig, so TK (Kurtenbach) had a go with Paul Smith. We won the fights but lost the game. There were probably 200 people there.
I'll have a look through my programmes. Then again that game was on a Monday so it might not be the same one.