Former Sky Blue Boss Is 85 Today. ‘Happy Birthday’, Don!!
Just a day after our member, former Sky Blue ‘gaffer’ ‘Big Ron’ Atkinson celebrated his birthday another former gaffer’s birthday comes round to be celebrated. Today CCFPA would like to wish our member, former Sky Blue assistant manager, then manager Don Mackay a very happy birthday! Born in Partick on 19th March 1940 the Scotchman is therefore celebrating his 85th birthday today! Don was a shot-stopper with Forfar Athletic (104 appearances from 1958) and a decade at Dundee United (243 apps from 1962) in his homeland also having a brief spell in the States with Dallas Tornados in 1967. He saw out his goalkeeping career in England with seven appearances at Southend United (1972-74). Prior to coming to Coventry, Don had coaching experience at Bristol City and in Denmark before managing Dundee from 1980-83
(Now fellow CCFPA member) Bobby Gould brought Don to Highfield Road as his assistant in September 1984. Only three months later the former CCFC player and ‘Cov Kid’ was sacked and Don took over at the Sky Blues’ helm after a period as caretaker. The Sky Blues were in a dire state in one of the relegation spots and, with everything to gain, Don’s new approach slowly bore fruit. Though it was an uphill struggle in 1984-85 Mackay’s men were inspired to win enough games during the season (including the last three) to avoid the drop. This achievement earned him a three year contract.
However the following season developed in a similar fashion and the poor financial state of the club meant scorer (and now CCFPA member) Terry Gibson was sold and there was little spare for new signings. Don’s high principles and strong character meant clashes with some on the board and his tactics sometimes meant the Sky Blues squad found themselves playing in uncomfortable positions. By April 1986 we went eight games winless and Don resigned after a defeat at Anfield. However the nucleus of the team that would next season go on to win the F.A.Cup under George Curtis and John Sillett (both of whom later became CCFPA members before the all too recent deaths of the legendary City duo) was provided by Don.
