1960/61 Season Review

Rovers enjoyed another fun filled trip to Italy during the summer months coming back fighting fit for another long hard domestic season.

The season opener was against newly promoted Shermall Athletic, a side from just across the River Mel. Shermall was a glistening concrete new town, at its centre a sparkling brand new football stadium, home to the Athletic an expensively assembled team that had romped to the Second Division title.

In charge of Shermall was the maverick businessman, Lance Vigors, beneath him supertrainer Mark Eckroyd and conditioning expert Professor Moller. With millions invested in the town and its flagship football club, Vigor demanded instant success. However, when the Rovers spanked his boys on the opening day, showing up his team as cloggers, Vigors took drastic action.

Ben Galloway, strangely for him, was impressed by three Shermall players and swiftly transferred the trio. In training Sinton, Linsdale and Caley, did enough to convince the Rovers boss that they would be good enough for the first team when injuries allowed. What Ben didn't realise is that the former Shermall men were still under the pay of Vigors. In a supervillain move, Vigors invited the Rovers to the grand opening of the Shermall Haven Oil Refinery. But, as the coach carrying the team passed along the jetty, it was barged into the River Mel by a iron girder swinging from a rogue crane.

Three Rovers were hurt badly enough to miss their next match against Langton United. The Shermall 3 took over, and started well enough. But, as the first half wore on, their play became erratic and sloppy, Linsdale scoring a rather obvious own goal. Roy was onto them! Locked them in a broom cupboard and eight man Rovers salvaged a draw.

The Rovers take a ride, both stadiums visible

Vigors declared war! Bought a controlling stake in the Rovers, swapped managers and trainers, swapped grounds, bringing Rovers to play in his new super stadium. The upheavel did not suit the Rovers, who were used to doing things their way. Horrendous form followed before a headline friendly against Italian Champions Vivace Rolundo. Vigors and Eckroyd promised that if Rovers could not defeat the great Italians, Roy would be sacked as captain. Of course, Roy came out on top, Taff Morgan and Ben Galloway returned with the news that the original chairman Mr Mason had regained control of the club!

The second half of the season was less dramatic, to begin with!

Rovers comfortably progressed to the Semi-Finals of the FA Cup, where they were drawn to meet... Shermall Athletic! The two teams ended up staying in the same seaside resort, the two captains agreeing to a series of fun and games to rebuild a relations between the rivals. However, it went wrong with the two star Athletic players stranded on exposed rocks. With the tide rising Roy and Blackie came to the rescue.

The match was a rough affair, as the Shermall men were blamed Roy for the disappearance of their skipper. They clogged him, again and again. But, eventually the truth came out. Without constant kicking Roy took control with two goals to send the Rovers to Wembley.

Roy lifts the Cup

A young journalist named Don Pike had been covering at centre-half for the injured Paddy Ryan and was selected for the big day. However, after just a few minutes Pike was hurt, having to leave the field. With a prime position and inside experience, Pike would write the sports article of the year as ten-man Rovers held off a rampaging Corstone City to win the Cup!