1987/88 Season Review

The horrors of Basran are put to bed as Melchester Rovers recover from an indifferent start to the season to almost achieving that elusive "Double." This year saw the emergence of Nobby Wootten, Bruno Johnson, Kevin Clark and Cracker Gray as top First Division players and also the debut of future captain Terry Spring. THe only worry to Roy and his great team was Pancho Miller and his dominant personality. But Roy soon shipped him off the the lower divisions, replacing him with the "Hitman" Springo.

The squad seemed to perfectly blend of the experience of Dexter, McKay, Blackie and Roy, with the flair of Clark, Pak Soon and Ollie Olsen and the youthful energy of Nobby and Cracker. Andy Styles finally established himself as a world-class goalkeeper and undisputed number one.

Only an inspired display from the new force of Weston Villa, denied Rovers the F.A. Cup but Rovers were not to be denied silverware as a fortunate own-goal gifts them the League title in the final match of the season against Stambridge.

League: Champions
F.A. Cup: Runners up
League Cup: Unknown

Squad:
G - Styles, Carter
D - Wootten, McKay, Dexter, Johnson, Butler
M - Miller, M.Gray, B.Gray, Clark, Spring
F - Race, Richards, Olsen, Pak Soon, Ritchie, Harper

Line-up (4-3-3):

Players in:

Terry Spring, Wes Harper (both youth)

Players out:

Bruce Miller (Darlton) 

Notes:
- Own goals for Rovers against Portdean and Stambridge
- Rovers beat Carlton City in the F.A. Cup 3rd Round
- Blackport were top on 19th March, two points ahead of Rovers
- Burndean were the named opponents for both the quarter and semi-finals
- Clark was named as 7 for the final but wore 10