You could be right about McIlroy scoring one - my memory fades a bit with age. I was at that Coventry game too. A guy ran into the back of my car and damaged the hatchback. Exhaust fumes were leaking into the car so I had to drive all the way back to Manchester with all the windows open. Good job it was a sunny day.
That was the first season of the North Stand opening(all standing) and most of the "The Kippax Boys" went in there for that one season ,then it became an all seater .
The violence was there already in the 60s , with the "usual suspects" prominent. It was merely a continuation into the 70s. The London firms were active, as were the Dippers and their mates called Stanley, Leeds fans being Leeds fans (cunts), and, surprisingly, Forest fans, who were mainly rockers rather than mods.
Strangely I can't recall standing in the North Stand before the seats went in. I stuck with my usual spot in the Kippax. I stood there many times as a lad when it was the old open Scoreboard terrace and when my son was young we usually sat in the North Stand. It easier with him only being a nipper. Used to stand him on the seat so he could see as most of us stood up anyway. He watched his first derby from there, which was also the last at Maine Road.
Winter, Crombie with Lancashire rose badge on breast pocket, red hanky sticking out of the pocket, blue maroon and white wool scarf round neck, Levi's and docs. Spring and summer, Harrington ,Ben Sherman shirt, prince of Wales check trousers and brogues, wool scarf tied to wrist silk scarf in belt loop. OMG I must have looked a right twat!
Renember paying £8 for my season ticket round about the same era .maddness lol
