Ernie Machin
Encyclopedia
Ernie Machin is a retired English-born footballer who played as a midfielder.
He began his career with Nelson
, before becoming one of Jimmy Hill
's earliest signings for Coventry City
in 1962. He made his debut against Millwall
on 8 April 1963 and went on to make 289 appearances for the club, a figure which would have been considerably higher had it not been for long-term knee injuries.
He then spent two years with Plymouth Argyle
and made such an impression that he was inducted into their Hall of Fame in 2004, and was also included in their Team of the Century. He finished his playing career with Brighton & Hove Albion
beforee returning to Coventry City as a coach in 1976. He is now retired after spending a number of years in the transport business.
In 1972 he became the first English football player to successfully challenge a fine and suspension by the Football Association
in the English courts. He was sent off in a game apparently for kicking an opponent, however TV evidence showed that he was innocent; nevertheless the FA noticed something else which he had done and upheld the disciplinary action on the basis of that without allowing him to present a defence. The courts ruled against the FA, and the PFA established the rights of players to legal representation in disciplinary cases.
He began his career with Nelson
Nelson F.C.
Nelson F.C. are an English football club, based in Nelson, Lancashire. They are currently members of the North West Counties Football League Division One, who played their home matches at Victoria Park, Lomeshaye Way. They are full members of the Lancashire County Football Association.-Early years:...
, before becoming one of Jimmy Hill
Jimmy Hill
James William Thomas "Jimmy" Hill OBE is an English association football personality. His career has taken in virtually every role in football, including player, union leader, coach, manager, director, chairman, television executive, presenter, analyst and match official.-Early life:Hill was born...
's earliest signings for Coventry City
Coventry City F.C.
Coventry City Football Club, otherwise known as the Sky Blues owing to the traditional colour of their strip, are a professional English Football league club based in Coventry...
in 1962. He made his debut against Millwall
Millwall F.C.
Millwall Football Club is an English professional football club based in South Bermondsey, south east London, that plays in the Football League Championship, the second tier of English football. Founded as Millwall Rovers in 1885, the club has retained its name despite having last played in the...
on 8 April 1963 and went on to make 289 appearances for the club, a figure which would have been considerably higher had it not been for long-term knee injuries.
He then spent two years with Plymouth Argyle
Plymouth Argyle F.C.
Plymouth Argyle Football Club is an English professional football club, based in Plymouth, Devon, that plays in Football League Two.Since becoming professional in 1903, the club has won five Football League titles, five Southern League titles and one Western League title. The 2009–10 season was the...
and made such an impression that he was inducted into their Hall of Fame in 2004, and was also included in their Team of the Century. He finished his playing career with Brighton & Hove Albion
Brighton & Hove Albion F.C.
Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club are an English association football club based in the coastal city of Brighton & Hove, East Sussex. They currently play in the Football League Championship, the second tier of the English football league system....
beforee returning to Coventry City as a coach in 1976. He is now retired after spending a number of years in the transport business.
In 1972 he became the first English football player to successfully challenge a fine and suspension by the Football Association
The Football Association
The Football Association, also known as simply The FA, is the governing body of football in England, and the Crown Dependencies of Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man. It was formed in 1863, and is the oldest national football association...
in the English courts. He was sent off in a game apparently for kicking an opponent, however TV evidence showed that he was innocent; nevertheless the FA noticed something else which he had done and upheld the disciplinary action on the basis of that without allowing him to present a defence. The courts ruled against the FA, and the PFA established the rights of players to legal representation in disciplinary cases.
External links
- Ernie Machin at English Football Cards