Their inspiration? A gypsy boy named Raven! Towards the end of the 1967/68 season, Baldy Hagen's United were in serious danger of relegation to the Second Division. Yet Hagen discovered one of English football's great natural talents. Barefoot, scraggy hair and a thick oikish accent, Raven found a permanent home on the United left wing.
The youngster's raw talent was enough to save Highboro' from the drop, as Seaford Athletic were overtaken on the final day of the season. Raven's flair and direct running was the perfect compliment to the classy Clive Manning at centre-forward.
Manning, as captain, found Raven's ways a little strange, he was reluctant to have a ruffian representing the Toffs. However, Hagen was trusted, other stars like Eric Barlow in midfield, Gerald Thompsett at the back and athletic goalie Lionel Jeeps, were more willing to mix it with such a character and a Championship winning side was forged.
United returned to what they saw as their rightful place at the top, winning the title in 1968/69. Raven's displays earning him an England cap against Spain.
Hagen's strengthened his side, signing England international centre-half Reg Munger. Munger's sterling defensive work set Raven, Manning and new forward signing Larry Vincent free. Highboro' were unstoppable in the European Cup, defeating French champions Toulonge, Atletico Bulbao of Spain on the way to the Final, where Scots Glenkirk Rangers were brushed aside.
Off-field issues had always created conflicts within the Toffs dressing room. Early in the 1971/72 season, the unthinkable happened as Raven was sold to Carford City. The boy wonder soon returned to United and the balance was restored to The Toffs eleven.
A British Inter-Cities Cup win was the highlight of 72/73 season, as two-time European Champions Glenburn of Scotland were defeated on the road to the final. Jeeps loses form and his place in goal to Spider Mulford (a gypsy friend of Raven) and is sold before the final to United's opponents, Welsh side Cambroke City.
However the turbulence off the field was back, Hagen had resigned early in the 72/73 season, but returned. Boardroom influences had created a tense atmosphere behind the scenes and Raven was out. Without Raven, United scrapped to avoid relegation. But were not so lucky the next year as they were relegated to the Second Division for the first time.
The old Toffs were no more as Highboro' finally adapted to the modern game of the late 70s. Promotion to the First Division was secured as Champions at the end of the 1980/81 season and United were back!
While never challenging for honours the early 80s saw United secure their place in the First Division. By the late 80s, the Toffs were again upsetting the majority working class fanbase of English football. Alan Greaves had taken charge and was splashing the cash. In 1988/89 Greaves snapped up athletic forward Henry Barrington from Enford Town for a record fee. Tough and reliable John Carter partnered England international Ray Barret in the centre of a defence that allowed United to become genuine high-fliers.
But Greaves could not deliver the title the Toffs board demanded and was replaced with Glen Talbot in 1990. Talbot too was unable to bring the desired trophies and Highboro' drifted down the table. Relegation and years of gloom followed, as Highboro' United once the greatest team in England were left slumbering in the second tier.
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