In this instalment we find out why Town fans were disappointed in the summer of 1966, despite England winning the World Cup and revisit the start of the 1966/1967 season. We also welcome a new signing to Leeds Road - Mike Hellawell

Coming from the memory bank of our feature writer.

It seems churlish with England Champions of the World, Town having only just missed out on promotion May last, but anti-climax was all around the summer following our World Cup win, crazy, yes, but Town meant so much to the fans.

We had still a very strong squad for the coming season, the Gaffer Tom Johnston was forever looking at players so strengthening was always on the cards, yet ...!

The season opened on the green, green grass of Leeds Road with a competent 2-0 victory over Bristol City, the first away fixture at Portman Road and a 0-3 defeat.

The scene had been set and so it continued strong at home, mixed on our travels. The highlight came in September when former England international, and Keighley born, Mike Hellawell was signed from Birmingham City.

The flying winger who was reaching the end of his career very quickly had a Town song penned in his honour. "Run run run run Hellawell", as you may guess this was aimed at his running ability. When picking the ball up in the outside right position, he would draw the opposing left full back to him. Then Mike would push the ball past him and run like the wind, past the full back, regain control and whip the ball across.

His debut away to Derby brought a seven-goal thriller of which we were on the wrong end of the score-line!

We beat Coventry at home, losing away, Wolves did the double over us, whilst we did similar to their Black Country rivals from St Andrews. The Sky Blues and Wanderers were promoted. We finished up a creditable 6th.

But still the promised land which had seemed so close only some 18 months ago had seen two successive near-misses with the feeling that this forever was to be our lot.

Would 1967-68 be any different? Without spoiling the plot... No it would not!

How, find out in the next "Those were the days... " Edition number Ten!

We hope you have enjoyed our latest "Those Were The Days" articles, and find them an interesting look at some special memories of Town through the years. Memories that will not, and can not be forgotten - and memories only our beloved Town could have created

© thisisthebarmyarmy.co.uk, 2005