Opponents No.12 - Eastgate

Eastgate are the side of the East End of London. Traditionally one of the strongest of the London sides, since the mid-80s Eastgate have struggled to have any impact at the top end of English football.

Their story begins in the mid-60s with promotion to the First Division. However Eastgate fail to establish themselves and end up fighting against relegation. A fourth bottom finish in 1966/67 would be a familiar feeling for Eastgate fans through the 70s. But that feeling of relief would not save the Eastenders again, relegation could not be avoided and the Eastgate spent the next few years in the Second Division.

Manager Bert Naylor formed a strong side and by 1975/76 Eastgate were considered one of the more powerful teams in the country. Three players stood out; Jim Bowker in goal, Joe Riley as the defensive midfielder and Peter Telford on the right wing. But it was a squad light on overall quality, constantly battling away at the wrong end of the First Division.

Naylor had found a way of surviving, but Eastgate lacked the depth to progress.The board backed their manager and the big money signing of striker Steve Holland followed. Holland was on the verge of a call-up to the England squad, very highly rated. Naylor hoped his goals would help Eastgate challenge, but it was not to be. Even the introduction of future England international Andy Watson in goal did not help. Eastgate again found themselves narrowly avoiding the drop. The 1976/77 season would be Bert Naylor's last in charge.

Neil Hammond was appointed and given the task of reaching leading his side to the top. Eastgate fans demanded success, they were sick of scrapping at the bottom, attendances were up and away support phenomenal. Everything seemed in place, surely Eastgate, with Holland partnered by rising stars John Rogers and Raich Williams up front were a team to be reckoned with.

For a famous encounter at Mel Park, over 10,000 Eastgate fans made the journey up from London. Such fabulous support showed how high expectations were, but the players themselves were still not pulling their weight. Fans were quite embarrassed by the on-pitch celebrations that followed the 1-1 draw. Hooligans in the travelling support later caused chaos in Melchester city centre. Like many clubs, Eastgate had a significant hooligan following in the late 70s, they were out in force in Melchester that day.

Hammond's side played attractive football, but again the results did not come. The top players in the side were as frustrated as the supporters, as the only achievement, for the third year in a row, was avoiding relegation.

Andy Watson, now a superb goalkeeper, was almost single-handedly keeping Eastgate in the First Division. Two seasons of consistently top-class performances began to alert the big clubs. Until finally in February 1979 Viktor Boskovic of Second Division Danefield United mad his move. A massive bid of £350,000 was enough to secure the star goalie. Watson would win promotion and eventually the title and a European Cup, as well as many England caps. His quick transition to superstar summed up the failings of his first club - Eastgate just could not find a winning formula, on paper the side was strong, perhaps the biggest failing lay in the manager's office.

Watson's departure stalled all progress in the East End and relegation was inevitable. But recovery was swift and a return to the First Division was soon secure. But the side had not evolved, Williams and Rogers as a partnership had gone stale. There was little money to strengthen and the old unwanted relegation battles were back.

By the 1984/85 season the side's defensive weakness saw Eastgate well adrift at the bottom. Scotland international Jock McNab was identified as the man to fix the problem and what a signing he proved to be. McNab was quick and immensely strong, his presence lifted the team and results improved dramatically. Even Roy Race had no answer to the Scot's defensive abilities, as he was marked out of the game, before substituting himself.

McNab helped Eastgate clear of the drop-zone, but his one man effort would only delay the inevitable. Eastgate were soon back in Division 2 and this time there would be no quick return.

Eastgate are an interesting team, the side of the late-70s had undoubted potential. Skilled observers like Roy Race and Tynefield City's coach Hoots MacLaren recognised the ability of their forward players. However the team always lacked that something special. While often described as powerful and punishing, the word most associated with Eastgate will always be "ordinary".

Notes:
- In Hard Man there are two Eastgates - Rovers and Albion
- Eastgate appear regularly in all the universe stories until the early 80s
- The last mention of Eastgate was in the 1986 ROTR Annual