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1971 - Tragedy hits Old Firm clash - January 2

One of football's worst tragedies hit Scotland when 66 people died at Ibrox in the final moments of the annual New Year derby match between Rangers and Celtic. Jimmy Johnstone scored what looked like a winning goal for the Hoops in the final minute, causing the home fans to leave en masse; only for Colin Stein to equalise in injury time. Those leaving stairway 13 tried to get back into the ground to see what was happening, causing a massive crush. A barrier collapsed, leading to the massive loss of life.

1964 - Campbell completes speed double - December 31

Donald Campbell, already crowned the holder of the world speed record on land earlier in the year, completed the 12-month double on Lake Dumbleyung in Perth - his speed in 'Bluebird' on the water reaching 276.33mph. Campbell already held the record, set on Coniston in the Lake District, of 260.35mph.

1967 - Campbell dies in new attempt - January 4

Campbell lost his life in an attempt to break the record little more than two years later, this time on Coniston Water. Having already topped the speed on one leg in the Bluebird K7, he was shifting at over 300mph when the boat flew 50 feet into the air and, upon impact with the water, disintegrated. The image of the K7 leaving the water, its nose lifting prior to the somersault, endures. Campbell was 46.

1994 - Harding rival Kerrigan attacked - January 6

American figure-skater Nancy Kerrigan was attacked in the first week of 1994 by a man with a metal crowbar, forcing her out of the US national championships in Detroit - and shocking the typically-tranquil world of winter sports. It transpired later that the attack was arranged and perpetrated by rival skater Tonya Harding's ex-husband Jeff Gillooly and friends Derrick Smith, Shawn Eckardt and Shane Stant. They were charged over the incident while the US Figure Skating Association eventually stripped Harding of her subsequently-won 1994 title and banned her for life.

1971 - One-day cricket introduced - January 5

The world's first limited-overs cricket match took place in Melbourne after an Ashes Test had been abandoned due to rain. Tourists England and hosts Australia agreed to play a match over one day - and the sport has not looked back. So it was a bit of a fluke really.

1892 - Erika pleasures Twickenham crowds - January 4

Just to show you that it has not always been doom and gloom in the first week of the year: Erika Rowe shocked everyone - and pleased many - when she streaked across the Twickenham pitch during a rugby encounter between England and Australia in the last century. Brave lass - as anyone who has been amongst the Twickers fans on matchday will testify.

Birthdays - Almost as far back, legendary football boss Sir Alex Ferguson was born on December 31 1941, while Formula One hero Michael Schumacher first opened his keen eyes on January 4 1969.

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