Roy of the Rovers Return to Glory

Part 7

Mels son, the youngest Roy of the Race family, was busy cutting out the football
photographs from the various newspapers Roy senior had delivered that
morning. Since taking on the high-pressure job of managing the biggest club in
England, Roy had made a point of trying to visit his eldest daughter more often.
Relaxing with family was a great way to take his mind off serious football and
young Roy was so into the fun side of the game that the great manager found
himself very much in love with a childs eye view of soccer. Young Roy took the
top off a gluestick and turned to the next page in his homemade Melchester
Rovers scrapbook. Roy had suggested his grandson begin a scrapbook when his
hero, Uncle Dec, had rejoined the Rovers in the winter transfer window the
previous season. It was something he had done as a child and something Rocky
had taken to the extreme, with a ten-year plus scrapbook illustrating the history
of Rovers from 1981 to 1991.
Granddad, do you think Rovers will win the Cup? Will you let Uncle Dec score
the winning goal at Wembley this time? Roy laughed out loud, this was exactly
the kind of football talk he needed. At a time when he should be looking ahead to
the prospect of a Wembley final and an elusive trophy, Roys normal thoughtpattern centred on their worrying league form. Next up was a trip to Blackport
Rovers and the hostile surroundings of the Dockside Stadium. Roy was not
looking forward to this match.
Newly promoted Blackport were managed by a star of Roys generation and one
of their greatest ever players, the combative yet classy Mike Bateson. As a
player, Bateson impressed Roy sufficiently to be named in his England side for
the 1978 friendly versus Holland, alongside his partner in crime Nipper
Lawrence. Later in his career, Roy had made polite inquiries as to Batesons
availability for transfer. In return he received polite declines, Bateson was a oneclub man, a true Blackport legend, a real footballer, whose passion and drive
were evident every time he took the field; tough as any in the tackle, but a true
gentleman and friend. That was the one thing Roy was eager for, their after
dinner drinks, where the two former stars could catch up and lament on days
gone by.
Roy turned his mind back to his grandson, Blackport and Premier League survival
could wait. Roy, fancy a kick? Uncle Dec will be here soon, you can get some
practice in first. The youngster raced into the garden and fetched his ball from
the shed. It needs a pump Granddad, then you can go in goal. I want to show you
how good my right foot is now!
The boy had certainly inherited the Race
family skill and natural talent. He was a bit
chubby, but Roy knew he would run-off his
mums cooking as he played more and
more football. Declan had bought young
Roy a small goalpost for his last birthday,
and Roy senior took his place in the
balding goalmouth, where hours of football
had trod bare patches into the previously
immaculate lawn. Ill roll the ball out, you
shoot, left foot, then right foot! Ready?
After a fifth or sixth effort, the youngster
finally beat the goalkeeper to score, as Roy turned to pick the ball from the net,

he fondly remembered playing with his own son (left) in the back garden of the
Race Mansion little more than two miles away. Rocky had two daughters, they
preferred dance to soccer, Declan and Diana had not yet started breeding. As it
stood, the young Roy, peppering shots at the great Roy Race was responsible for
carrying forth the legacy of the Race family. Could he do it? Roy had little doubt,
with Declan and himself as willing training partners, surely it was only a matter
of time before the seven year-old was signed-up by the Rovers. It was too young,
in Roys opinion, but that was the modern way. This boy, just three years into
school, would soon face the pressure of being the next Roy Race. It was no
wonder that his mother objected to football and wanted no part of her sons
development in the game. Roy understood, but still hoped that someday young
Roy would fulfil his destiny.
***
It was not just the manager of Melchester Rovers who was suffering from the
pressure of the relegation battle. Sat beside the River Mel about ten miles
upstream to the east of the city, were Jake Cheetham and Drew Powell, the
telepathic partnership that should be leading the greatest club in the land to
titles at home and abroad. So far the dynamic duo had not delivered. Yes, they
had a chance at Wembley soon, but what a hollow victory that would be if it were
preceded by relegation.
Jake gripped his long fishing pole tightly, eyes fixed on the bobbing float more
than halfway across the river, no bites, it had been a poor mornings fishing. For
Petes sake! the captain exclaimed, Are there no ruddy fish in this river? Jake
thought back to some of the best fishing he had experienced. After missing out
on selection for the England World Cup squad, Cheetham had returned to
Sweden where he had recuperated from his career threatening knee injury. He
had made a promise to Magnus his fellow patient, the crocked professional icehockey player, that he would join him for some extreme sea-fishing in the Baltic.
It sure was extreme, it was awesome, as waves rocked the boat, the men battled
the winds as well as the fish.
Mate! Jake called his pal, Is it wrong of me to want to be injured again? I mean
it was so easy then, no pressure, just relaxing, eating well, feeling so far away
from football. The pressure was off, I was like a normal person! Drew was
shocked by his friends admission, I dunno, boyo! Its up to you. Whats more
rewarding sitting on your batty or leading Rovers to the F.A. Cup?
You dont get it, mate. Im struggling with the responsibility. I dont get how you
can just let it wash over you. I dont wanna be the captain who takes Rovers
down. And the Roy and Blackie stuff alone is driving me nuts.
But you are handling it! Your form is great, youre scoring goals and youre the
first name on the sheet for England now! Drew took his tablet from his bag and
found a report on the last England game. Jake had made his first start for the
national team for over a year and starred in a brilliant England performance in
thrashing a strong Switzerland side.
Making his second start for England, after an exciting season at Eastgate, was
former-Rover Curtis Blunt. Vernon Eliot had allowed the troubled forward to
leave, initially on loan, but his surprising early-season form meant Eastgate were

willing to pay 11million to make the transfer permanent, in a deal that was
agreed in the week Eliot was sacked and completed in January.
Another ex-Rovers star was now captaining his country. Ollie Morrison, who wore
the famous Number 9 shirt before a transfer to Kingsbay, was promoted to the
role after the international retirement of Shaun Royce. Morrison was the standout
candidate, the only outfield player with over fifty caps, he also had an
exceptional goalscoring record at international level and a clean-cut reputation.
There had been discussions in the media, with many commentators suggesting
that Jake should be captain. But at that stage Richie Gunn was not picking
Cheetham in his first-eleven, for now it appeared that Jakes chance had gone.
Until Morrison retired he would be skipper, the Melchester captain would have to
bide his time.

England require just two more victories to secure their place at the 2016
European Championships in France after a convincing win against
Switzerland.
Melchester Rovers midfielder Jake Cheetham rewarded manager Ritchie Gunn's surprise
decision to restore him to the starting line-up with an outstanding display that brought 2016's
showpiece clearly into view.
England needed six points after closest Group C rivals Slovenia had earlier beaten Estonia and 23-year-old Cheetham provided the inspiration following 45 minutes of goalless

frustration that increased the tension inside Wembley.

Cheetham's superb run helped set up Ollie Morrison's 49th-minute opener and England
looked to be secure when Switzerland's Gent Gjysh sliced Curtis Blunt's cross into his own
net.
Hadir Gazdarovic threatened to set up an anxious finale when he pulled a goal back in a rare
moment of danger from the visitors. But it was fitting that Cheetham should add his own
even more significant contribution - a low, swerving finish past Switzerland keeper Yohann
Winter to restore England's two-goal advantage.
Henry Birch's injury-time penalty put added gloss on an England performance which fully
merited the outcome and will have lifted confidence ahead of another crucial Wembley
meeting with second-placed Slovenia in May.
The England boss exuded positivity in the pre-match build up and that was reflected in a
bold team selection - with Cheetham chosen ahead of Melboros Jack Pound. Apart from
very isolated moments, England spent most of the first half in Swiss territory without being
able to convert the chances that came their way.
Everpool's Leon Walters, replacing Melchesters out of form Lucas Cleary, was a standout
performer as the home side dominated possession and territory, creating chances for Blunt
and captain Ollie Morrison that brought saves from Winter.
England's best chance of the half came when Cheetham's shot was pushed out by Winter
and Morrison could only hit the outside of the post from an angle when he should have
scored. And in a frantic conclusion to the half, Blunt saw a shot deflected wide, while Ravel
Penny was off target and had another shot blocked.
With news of Slovenia's win against Estonia confirmed during the interval, England's
urgency for a goal increased - and it was Morrison who obliged four minutes after the restart.
So much of the credit must go to Cheetham, who picked out Blunt after a typical surging run
through the midfield. Winter again failed to hold the Eastgate striker's shot and Morrison was
lurking to complete the job.
The goal stung Switzerland into action and Johnny White was forced into his first serious
work of the night to turn away Gazdarovic's header from Gurhan Feryat's free-kick.
England's second goal had an element of farce as Gjysh turned Blunt's effort into his own
net, but that signalled Switzerland's most threatening spell of the game.
Dorino's Feryat struck the bar from 25 yards, then Gazdarovic poached a goal as he turned
Gjysh's shot past White.
Cheethams spectacular strike settled any nerves and debutant Birch got on the scoresheet
from the spot after he had been fouled by Steve Schwerer to complete a highly satisfactory
night for Gunn and England.

Drew read the report to his friend, Tell me now that you arent coping. I think
you expect to suffer with the pressure because its expected of you. But if you
are, then its not showing on the pitch! Yeah, youre a bit moody now and then,
but who isnt? Were at the bottom of the league, but were in the Cup Final!
Were a good side, were top players, we will survive!
Jake snatched the iPad from Powell, If youre going to embarrass me with
flattering reports, then Im getting one for you! Cheetham was not the only
Melchester player to recently impress in a European Championship Qualifier.
Drew Powell, the captain of Wales, had singlehandedly destroyed Scotland at
Hampden Park. Now if only Roy Race could get his midfield duo to fire on all
cylinders to down relegation rivals Blackport at the weekend.

Wales leapfrogged Scotland at the top of their Euro 2016 qualifying

group as two goals from Drew Powell inspired a hugely impressive win
that leaves them well placed to reach next summer's finals in France.
Manager Colin Jones had described this match as Wales' most important since the Euro
2004 play-off defeat by Russia in 2003. And with four wins and two draws from their first six
matches, this is Wales' best start to a campaign since that ill-fated bid 12 years ago as they
attempt to reach a first major finals since the 1958 World Cup.
Victory against a Scottish side who had won all three of their previous qualifiers must rank as
the high-point of Jones' short tenure. The visitors had the better of the first half in Glasgow
and took a deserved lead as Glenn Stamp headed in from Powell's cross just before the
break.
The Melchester Rovers star doubled their advantage with a superb, swerving free-kick from
the edge of the area soon after the restart and, a minute later, Scotland's Robert House
picked up a second booking for fouling Powell as Wales took control. He then added a final
gloss with a sweeping finish late on as Jones side moved two points clear at the summit of
Group B.
Wary of their in-form opponents and a hostile atmosphere at a packed Hampden Park,
Jones reverted to a 5-3-2 formation that allowed him to give Powell a roaming role behind
the forwards.
In Cardiff, as ever, much of the pre-match build-up revolved around the 22-year-old, whose
indifferent recent club form had drawn some criticism. Powell seemed undeterred, however,
as he tormented Scotland with a fabulous display.
After sending a fizzing low shot narrowly wide, Powell fashioned Wales' first real chance as
his inviting cross found Jeremy Tudor unmarked at the far post - but the Gatesfield defender
sliced wide when it seemed easier to score.
There were some early scares for Wales, with Scotland's playmakers in midfield, Stevie
Black and Jim Maurice, dangerous running from deep positions. But the visitors were seldom
seriously troubled, and their pressure eventually produced the opening goal moments before
the break.

Goalkeeper Will Williams' long ball was chipped into the box by Powell for Stamp, whose
looping header deceived Davey Sergeant to silence Glasgow's hitherto hostile crowd.
It took less than five minutes of the second half for Powell to get himself on the score sheet.
Fouled right on the edge of the area by House, the Wales captain produced a fierce, dipping
shot from the resultant free-kick to send around 4,000 travelling Welsh supporters into
raptures. Just a minute later, Scotland's fate was sealed when House again body-checked
Powell and was sent off for a second yellow card.
From that point, Wales were barely without the ball as the Tartan Army fell silent. Their
misery was compounded with 13 minutes left, as Stamp glided into the box and found
Powell, whose sweet first-time finish flew past Sergeant to crown a memorable night for
Wales.

***

***

Chippy Croker: Who will win scrap to stay in Premier League?

The Premier League title race is as good as over and the top four looks
sorted too - that just leaves relegation as the final top-flight battle to be
decided.
I think there are seven teams involved and, looking at the table, 35 points should be enough
to stay up.
That is good news for Burndean because, despite their terrible form, they have that many
already. By my reckoning, a point would make absolutely certain of safety for the Whites but at the moment it is hard to know where that would come from. Burndean's top-scorer
Niall Chase will return from injury after this weekend's game against fellow strugglers
Redpool. They have to hope the Ireland international can make a difference because I have
seen nothing else recently to suggest Burndean can save themselves. Enrico Capucci's
side are in freefall after losing their last seven games and to stay up they might have to rely
on three of the six teams below them failing to catch them.
This is how I think things will pan out.

Burndean
Verdict: Staying up, because of the failings of others.
To match Burndean's 35 points, Niton Town need three wins from their last four games, and
Blackport would need at least two wins and two draws.
Deans Park are on 30 points and have a game in hand, so are looking at two wins out of five
to go above their north-east rivals - but in effect it is two wins from three because their final
games are away at Melboro and champions-elect Kelburn and I cannot see them getting
anything out of either.
Redpool have shown over the past few weeks that it is possible for teams to suddenly find
the sort of form they have not previously looked capable of, but it is rare for more than one
team to do that each season. Deans Park managed it last year - it looks like Burndean are
safe unless they do it again.

North Vale
Verdict: Staying up, thanks to Eddie Delaney.
North Vale boss Alistair Stewart's experience has been vital but Delaney's goals have made
the difference. What a signing he was. Since arriving on deadline day in February from nonleague, the former bricklayer has found the net five times and earned the Welshmen seven
points. They just need another one to be safe from the drop.

Melchester Rovers
Verdict: Staying up.
Another couple of wins should do the trick for Rovers and, with three of their last five games
at home, I think they will do even better than that. My worry for Rovers was that they would
get relegated the week before the FA Cup final, which would make what should be a glorious
day a bit of a non-event. But Jake Cheetham is flying again and they will be absolutely fine.

Their next problem is deciding who to appoint as permanent manager. Id try to tempt my old
pal Roy Race to continue, but the owners have made it clear that he is not an option.

Redpool
Verdict: Staying up, but there is still work to do.
I am as surprised as everyone else that they still have something to fight for. Redpool looked
dead and buried a month ago, but four wins in a row from the start of April have put survival
in their own hands. More importantly, their players will now believe they can stay up and,
looking at their remaining fixtures, they should get enough from those games.

Deans Park
Verdict: Going down.
There will be no Great Escape this time. It was a gamble to change their manager when they
did and bring in Johan Baters with 10 games remaining. He had an initial impact with a win
against Danefield but, defensively, Park still look shocking. That is the main reason they
have won just one of their last 10 games.

Blackport Rovers
Verdict: Going down, again.
Gatesfield Rovers and Walford Rovers with Mel Jeffries and Kenny Davenport are two
examples of teams who decided to make a managerial change this season and picked the
right men at the right time - the turn of the year - to make a difference. Yet yo-yo club
Blackport have stubbornly stuck with club legend Mike Bateson even though it was clear to
all that he had run out of ideas. The defeat to relegation rivals Melchester is the final nail in
their coffin.

Niton Town
Verdict: Going down, but in good hands.
It is going to take something very special to keep Niton up now and I am not sure where it is
going to come from. Town have given absolutely everything in pretty much every game this
season, often pushing teams hard without getting a reward. They deserve great credit for
their efforts, but I don't think their players can give any more to the cause in these last few
weeks. If they do go down, then at least they are in good shape to come back up next
season. They have almost been planning for relegation with the way they approached this
season, with the view of coming back stronger next time.
NEXT Melchesters relegation battle continues
Storky Knight