Football is meant to be entertainment, and nobody understood that better than Ernie Hunt. With his stocky build, infectious grin, and distinctive waddle, he didn’t look like a modern athlete. But put a ball at his feet, and “The Joker in the Pack” was a genius capable of moments that are still replayed on television 50 years later.
Signed from Wolverhampton Wanderers in 1968 for £80,000, Hunt became the creative heartbeat of the Coventry side that finished 6th in the First Division and qualified for Europe. While he scored over 50 goals for the club, his legacy is defined by one moment of improvisation that changed the rulebook forever.
Key Player Vitals & Data
| Metric | Detail |
| Position | Inside Forward / Attacking Midfielder |
| Coventry Career Tenure | 1968 – 1973 |
| Total Competitive Appearances | 173 |
| Total Goals | 51 |
| Signed From | Wolves (£80,000) |
| Famous Moment | BBC Goal of the Season (1970-71) |
| European Record | Scored vs Bayern Munich (1970) |
The Donkey Kick (1970)
On 3 October 1970, in a match against Everton at Highfield Road, Hunt scored the most famous free-kick in English football history.
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The Routine: Teammate Willie Carr gripped the ball between his ankles and flicked it into the air (a “donkey kick”).
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The Finish: Before the ball touched the ground, Hunt smashed a volley into the top corner past a stunned Andy Rankin.
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The Legacy: The goal was broadcast on Match of the Day and won the BBC Goal of the Season award. It was so effective that the FA banned the routine at the end of the season, making Hunt’s goal a unique piece of history.
European Nights
Hunt was instrumental in Coventry City’s only European campaign to date (the 1970-71 Inter-Cities Fairs Cup). He scored the opening goal in the famous 2-1 home victory against European giants Bayern Munich, proving he could perform against the very best (including Franz Beckenbauer and Gerd Müller).
The People’s Player
Hunt was beloved for his personality. He was a prankster in the dressing room and a showman on the pitch. Despite ongoing knee issues, his technical ability—particularly his volleys and passing—made him one of the most talented players of his generation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What was the “Donkey Kick” goal? It was a free-kick routine performed by Ernie Hunt and Willie Carr against Everton in 1970. Carr flicked the ball up with his heels, and Hunt volleyed it home. It is widely considered one of the greatest goals in Coventry City history.
Why was Ernie Hunt’s free-kick banned? The FA deemed the “flick-up” technique to be against the spirit of the game (or arguably a double touch). They changed the rules at the end of the 1970-71 season so that a free-kick could not be taken by lifting the ball with two feet.
Did Ernie Hunt play against Bayern Munich? Yes. He played in both legs of the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup tie against Bayern Munich in 1970. He scored Coventry’s first goal in the 2-1 victory at Highfield Road.
How many goals did Ernie Hunt score for Coventry? He scored 51 goals in 173 appearances for the Sky Blues between 1968 and 1973.
