The 1970's

Mid Table Mediocrity

Statistically, the seventies are perhaps the weakest in Pat’s history. The Saints’ League finishing positions starting in 1970-71 and ending in 1979-80 are stark in their mediocrity; 12th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 10th, 11th, 6th, 10th, 14th and 12th. Even though the League of Ireland expanded during the decade to 16 teams, only three Pat’s players broke into double digits in League goals during the decade: Kevin Murray (13 in 1972-73), Peter Conway (13 in 1975-76) and Derek Carthy (12 in 1978-79).

But amidst the struggles there were flashes of intrigue and moments of magic to entertain the Richmond Park faithful.

John Colrain was replaced as manager in 1971 by Londoner Jack Burkett, who had played for West Ham for 10 years until 1968. He took on a playermanager role at Richmond Park, winning the LFA Presidents’ Cup in 1971-72 and leading the Saints to an FAI Cup Final in 1974. That final saw Pat’s lose out by 3 goals to 1 against a strong Finn Harps side.

Burkett was replaced by George Richardson, who lasted less than a season, 1975-76, although the Saints did win another minor trophy, the Dublin City Cup. Richardson was replaced in turn by another player with significant English League experience, Barry Bridges.

Most associated with Chelsea, where he scored 80 goals in 176 games from 1958-66, Bridges had 4 caps for England and arrived, similar to Burkett, at the twilight of his playing career. He had only intended on staying for a few games but found himself living in a house owned by the club in Newland’s Cross and with the job of player-manager.