For the first of our '12 days of Christmas' feature we take a sideways look at Coventry City's appearence record holder and dig into 'Oggy's' Career...
In the 12 days leading up to Christmas we're giving Sky Blues supporters a '12 days of Christmas' feature, where every day in the build up to the big day we'll be reflecting on legends and big matches, as well as offering some fantastic competitions to celebrate the festive period. On Day One of our 12 day countdown, we tell you the stories you did not know about Coventry City's record appearence holder, the legendary Steve Ogrizovic...There's been many words written about the man, but there is also a lot unknown about the man who made 507 appearances between the sticks for the Sky Blues across 16 incredible years.
But did you know about his cricketing prowess? Or his time spent as a police cadet and police officer? There's more to 'Oggy' than his time at Coventry City.
Ogrizovic is the son of a Yugoslavian emigree and had the chance to be selected for the Yugoslavian national team in the 1980's, however he declined the offer.
Before signing as a professional footballer, Ogrizovic served both as a police cadet and officer at Mansfield Police Station, his place of birth. However this was something he had to give up when he signed his first professional contract at Chesterfield.
It was not just in goal where Oggy shows sporting prowess, he is also a fine cricketer. In 1983 he played in three list A matches for Shropshire in the NatWest Trophy, as a medium-fast bowler. This is alongside playing a game in the Benson and Hedges cup. Among the wickets he took at this level was one Chris Broad, son of current England bowler Stuart!
However surely the most bizarre story involving Oggy came in 2003. News spread that he was kidnapped in Kazakhstan and an online petition was set up to campaign to get him released. This was proved to be a hoax when the Coventry Evening Telegraph interviewed a very bewildered Ogrizovic at Ryton!
If that isn't enough, he was also mentioned in BBC sitcom Gavin and Stacey. Apparently Oggy is good mates with Stacey's best friend Nessa in the hit show!
Although it has been 14 years since he last played for City, the Ogrizovic name will be forever associated with 1987 and all the Premier League great escapes. The fact he still works for the club as Goalkeeping Coach shows that Oggy always will be a true Sky Blue.
But did you know about his cricketing prowess? Or his time spent as a police cadet and police officer? There's more to 'Oggy' than his time at Coventry City.
Ogrizovic is the son of a Yugoslavian emigree and had the chance to be selected for the Yugoslavian national team in the 1980's, however he declined the offer.
Before signing as a professional footballer, Ogrizovic served both as a police cadet and officer at Mansfield Police Station, his place of birth. However this was something he had to give up when he signed his first professional contract at Chesterfield.
It was not just in goal where Oggy shows sporting prowess, he is also a fine cricketer. In 1983 he played in three list A matches for Shropshire in the NatWest Trophy, as a medium-fast bowler. This is alongside playing a game in the Benson and Hedges cup. Among the wickets he took at this level was one Chris Broad, son of current England bowler Stuart!
However surely the most bizarre story involving Oggy came in 2003. News spread that he was kidnapped in Kazakhstan and an online petition was set up to campaign to get him released. This was proved to be a hoax when the Coventry Evening Telegraph interviewed a very bewildered Ogrizovic at Ryton!
If that isn't enough, he was also mentioned in BBC sitcom Gavin and Stacey. Apparently Oggy is good mates with Stacey's best friend Nessa in the hit show!
Although it has been 14 years since he last played for City, the Ogrizovic name will be forever associated with 1987 and all the Premier League great escapes. The fact he still works for the club as Goalkeeping Coach shows that Oggy always will be a true Sky Blue.