Keith Houchen’s tenure at Coventry City was defined by timing. Though he only spent three full seasons at Highfield Road, he delivered the most iconic moment in the club’s 100+ year history. His diving header in the 1987 FA Cup Final is cemented as one of the greatest goals ever scored at the old Wembley Stadium.
A hard-working, traditional centre-forward, Houchen was signed by George Curtis and John Sillett to add physical presence to the Sky Blues’ attack. Below is the statistical record of his impactful period in the West Midlands.
Key Player Vitals & Data
| Metric | Detail |
| Position | Centre-Forward |
| Coventry Career Tenure | 1986 – 1989 |
| Total Competitive Appearances | 85 |
| Total Goals | 25 |
| League Appearances | 65 |
| League Goals | 16 |
| Signed From | Scunthorpe United (£60,000) |
| Major Honours | FA Cup Winner (1987) |
The Road to Wembley
Houchen’s contribution to the 1987 FA Cup triumph extended beyond the final. He was instrumental throughout the tournament, scoring five goals in total during the cup run.
Most notably, he scored crucial goals in the Fifth Round away at Stoke City (a 1-0 win) and a vital equaliser in the Quarter-Final tie against Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough, a match Coventry went on to win 3-1.
The Defining Moment: Wembley 1987
Houchen’s career is immortalized by the 62nd minute of the 1987 FA Cup Final against Tottenham Hotspur. With Coventry trailing 2-1, winger Dave Bennett delivered a precision cross from the right flank.
Houchen, timing his run perfectly between Spurs defenders Gary Mabbutt and Richard Gough, threw himself horizontally at the ball. He connected perfectly with his head six yards out, powering the ball past goalkeeper Ray Clemence to level the score at 2-2. The goal was subsequently voted the BBC Goal of the Season for 1986-87.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who crossed the ball for Keith Houchen’s diving header? The cross was provided by Dave Bennett. Bennett had worked space on the right wing before delivering an inswinging cross that met Houchen’s run perfectly in the six-yard box.
How many goals did Keith Houchen score in the 1987 FA Cup run? Keith Houchen scored a total of five goals during the 1986-87 FA Cup competition, culminating in his famous goal in the final at Wembley.
What year did Keith Houchen join Coventry City? Houchen joined Coventry City in 1986, signed from Scunthorpe United for a fee of approximately £60,000.
Did Keith Houchen win Goal of the Season? Yes, his diving header against Tottenham Hotspur in the FA Cup Final was voted the BBC Goal of the Season for the 1986-87 campaign.
