As previously mentioned, a Headteacher had raised concerns about Higgins in 1974. This individual is reported to have told BM1 about inappropriate behaviour by Higgins and that he had falsified his credentials by claiming to have worked for Chelsea Football Club. It would appear from Sheldon’s report that the Headteacher had previously contacted some amateur Clubs in the area and ‘got the impression that [Higgins] was not to be trusted with young boys.’
According to the police reports seen by Sheldon, the response to the Headteacher by BM1, was to threaten legal action. We wondered if, having been a manager at the Club, this was an attempt by BM1 to protect the reputation of the Club, rather than to protect Higgins. There are however no records at the Club pertaining to this conversation, and BM1 sadly passed away in 2003. We have been unable to gather any more information about this allegation, other than that provided in Sheldon’s report; the Club confirmed they have no other information available regarding this matter.
[...]BM1 sat on the board of directors until 1993. We have not seen or heard any evidence to suggest the allegation made in 1974 was brought to the attention of the board fifteen years later in February 1989, when further allegations were made against Higgins.
