Rovers struggled to adapt to the different European styles, notably the defensive tactics of Spanish side Zamara, who were experts in setting the offside-trap and at taking the pace out of the game. But Roy's bold approach, replacing Johnny Dexter with flying forward Broz Bamber proved a master-stoke as the youngster's pace and trickery bamboozled the tough defenders.
Roy's overall tactics were more familiar, as he reverted to the traditional Rovers 4-3-3. However fans were puzzled watching Roy Race playing deep in midfield wearing the number 6 shirt, as record signing Andy Maclaren donned the famous number 9. Roy would reclaim the 9 by the end of the season, but in his new central position he would dominate matches as he always had done. Many fans believed that Roy Race was playing the best football of his long career.
But despite Roy's great form and the emergence of a new crop of talented youngsters, Melchester Rovers would end the 1990/91 season trophyless. Rovers were "giant-killed" in the semi-final of the Cup Winners Cup, by Dinamo Vlaznia of Albania. A late away-goal sending the minnows through.
League: 3rd or 4th (qualified for UEFA Cup)
League Cup: Unknown
F.A. cup: 5th Round
Squad:
G - Styles, Watson, Carter
D - Wootten, Chapman, Ritchie, Dexter, McKay, B.Gray, Tyler, Butler, Lake
M - Race, Spring, Clark, M.Gray, Wallace, Jones
F - Maclaren, Harper, Gunn, Bamber, Johnson, Pak Soon
Line-up (4-3-3):
Players in:
Des Chapman, Nicky Watson, Dennis Tyler, Russel Wallace, Bryn Jones, Broz Bamber, Tommy Johnson, Johnny Lake (all youth)
Players out:
None
Notes:
- Numbers were confusing again, with some duplicates
- An own goal beat Tynecaster
- Roy says that Gatesfield is the first match of the season, but Rovers play Portdean
- Duncan McKay probably made his last appearance in this season
- The great Zardelli battled with Roy against Morino
- No iconic images form this season I'm afraid...
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