
Such was the talent in City’s youth team in 1978-79 that Steve, a midfielder cum striker, was forced to play at right-back in an impressive Youth Cup run. Players like Mark Hateley, Danny Thomas and Tommy English were far more advanced than the clumsy-looking Londoner. After eight appearances in two seasons, seven of them as a substitute, he had failed to impress and was down the pecking order. Then new manager Dave Sexton gave him his chance as a striker and he netted in the opening day 2-1 win over Manchester United. He impressed with his bustling style and long range shooting which caused several goalkeepers problems. By the end of the season he had been switched to a wide right attacking role and in the space of four days scored five first team goals. In a 5-5 draw at the Dell Steve netted twice with unstoppable shots, then at Maine Road he netted a hat-trick in a 3-1 win. The following season he was the club’s leading scorer with 14 goals including memorable long-range strikes against Luton and Brighton. In the turbulent summer of 1983 Steve’s contract expired, like many of the talented youngsters at the club, and he joined his boyhood team West Ham for £175,000. Despite scoring twice for the Hammers against the Sky Blues the following season his time at West Ham was frustrating and in 1986 he moved back to the Midlands with Birmingham where he rediscovered his goalscoring form. A £300,000 move to Sheffield Wednesday was not a success and he joined Ipswich Town. His final club was Colchester where he played for four seasons until the age of 37. Subsequently he became coach and then manager of Colchester for four years.
Penalties (1 - scored)
1982-83
8 January 1983 v Worcester City H, scored
Hat tricks (1)
1981-82
8 May 1982 v Manchester City A





























































































































































































