Gary Newbon: A rollercoaster couple of decades for Coombs clan |
The Coombs family’s chairmanship of Birmingham City lasted for 20 eventful years – from Clifford in 1965 to his son Keith until 1985. Another of Clifford’s sons Derek was a director.
Clifford took over from the Morris family. Keith took over on the death of his father before being succeeded by the former Walsall chairman Ken Wheldon.
Keith’s twin sons, now 72, Anthony and Graham Coombs have concentrated on the business S and U, set up by their grandfather, rather than carrying on the thankless family involvement with football.
They have certainly taken the home and motor credit business on to an even higher platform with 60,000 customers. Anthony is chairman and Graham deputy chairman.
Clifford is an interesting story. Almost the classic rags to riches story which led to him saving the Blues with much needed investment when they needed it, but only on his terms over becoming the new chairman in 1965.
He remained chairman until his death ten years later aged 72 when Keith took over for another the years.
Clifford and Keith were both chairman during my time at ATV and were friendly and helpful whenever I covered the Blues.
Clifford was born in Ebbw Vale in Wales and at the age of 15 he worked down the mines. Two years later aged just 17 with just one pound in his pocket, he cycled from there to Birmingham. He found digs above a shop right near the Blues St Andrew’s........