In this episode, Ken Abbott is joined by Gary Newbon—legendary broadcaster, journalist, and former Solihull Barons owner, best known to viewers from Central TV and Sky Sports.
Gary traces his broadcasting career from Westward TV to ATV, becoming a leading Midlands sports reporter before rising to Controller of Sport as ATV rebranded to Central TV in 1982.
That same year, a chance encounter involving a broken washing machine led Gary to Solihull Barons—and into ice hockey ownership. With crowds of barely 50 and no imports, Gary took over a struggling Division Two club and sparked what became known as "The Gary Newbon Miracle."
Using his media contacts and commercial know-how, he secured sponsorship, brought in Canadian imports, appointed Chuck Taylor as player-coach, and transformed the club. Attendances soared to 1,500, the Barons won their division, and promotion followed.
Despite continued investment in Division One, on-ice indiscipline and high-profile incidents—most notably Crowtree in 1985—ultimately derailed further progress. With negative publicity threatening his TV career, Gary stepped away after just two intense seasons.
As Ice Hockey News Review editor Vic Batchelder wrote:
"Like him or loathe him, it's generally acknowledged in hockey circles that Gary Newbon achieved something of a minor miracle in just two seasons with the Barons."
Now more than 50 years into broadcasting, Gary remains as active as ever, hosting The Gary Newbon Sports Show and continuing to interview the biggest names in sport.
