It was. City and Grimsby were the only teams given permission not to play on Xmas Day when it was a full fixture list. This was because it was considered a threat to food supplies if the trawlers needed unloading as they were worried people would miss work and go to the football. As it is I don't think either team ever did not play because of the dispensation.
My lad was at a gathering at Driffield for the players who had represented East Yorkshire at various age levels years ago. There were a couple of City players there and they came around chatting and introduced a young lad. They said he was Andy Payton and he was a good example to follow as he had progressed through the ranks and would in time make it through to the first team. My lad got him to sign a beer mat. A rather embarrassed young Andy told him it was the first time anyone had asked for his autograph,
I was playing golf over 20 years ago and I was got talking to this guy. Hull City came up and he said 'Frankie Bunn, my mate' - told me a story about how he punched Bunn once and broke his jaw (or cheekbone). The police let him off with it because it was only one punch. Some mass fight involving several people. No idea what it was about.
The FA and indeed the PL take a dim view of Hull City supporters' behaviour, hence the multiple fines, points deductions and ground closures that have been slapped on the club over the years.
Anybody remember Hull City reserves playing Scunthorpe reserves. Ian Botham was playing up front. He got tons of stick during the match, scored a great goal in the second half and then ran the length of the best stand flicking the V's at the fans !
Chris Chilton's back was knackered when he signed for coventry, it was great business for us to get £90,000 for him.
My husband was away for 2 months on business in Canada and England and missed that tour. I am sure I would have been taken to see them play if he had been here.
Do I detect a bit of an edge to your sense of humour there ? edit: No intent on steeling your thunder CM
"Many years ago I would regularly travel to Field Mill at Mansfield ...where the attraction was a goalscoring craftsman, one of the best players never to be capped by England. Ken Wagstaff was an exceptional player - he could see a pass, he could race past defenders, and he could score goals...plenty of them." David " You doing business?" Pleat , Feb/March edition of Backpass, the retro football magazine.