1963/64 Season Review

After an interesting summer tour of the Greek coast, the Rovers returned ready for their first season in the European Cup. Wishing to scout one of Europe's top teams, Roy and Ben took in Dorino's tour match against Eastoke. The Italian Champions thrashed one of the First Division's best 7-2 in a controlled display of precision football. Famous trainer Carlo Fabrizi was credited with creating the Dorino super team and on meeting Roy challenged the Rovers to a match.

Of course the Rovers accepted, but were not expecting to be on the end of a hiding! Fabrizi's dynamic Dorino run the Rovers ragged to win four-two, shocking the board. Shockingly Fabrizi was made Rovers head trainer with full authority.

Fabrizi changed the Rovers formation by shifting Ossie Jones into the defensive line as a centre-back. Tactics were to be patient, with short passing. When the opposition had possession, everybody except the two wingers were to drop behind the ball and press. This was how most of the best continental teams played, but was still alien to English football. The Rovers struggled to adapt, but once their mindsets were altered, their skills allowed the system to flourish. After six matches the Rovers were top, with five wins and a draw, scoring 23 goals and conceding just 7.

But, the fine form could not last, Fabrizi's intense physical training sessions had sapped the energy reserves of all but the fittest of players. Perfomances began to drop off, with defeat by Carford infuriating the Italian. He upped the gym work, with disastrous consquences as international outside right Dick Stokes fell from the rope climb, aggravating an old injury. He would never play for the Rovers again!

Ted Carter was Fabrizi's shocking choice to replace Stokes. Roy, amoung others, did not believe young Ted was ready for First Division football, so guided the winger through his first league match. Carter would score a hat-trick, was he ready, was Roy wrong, was Roy good enough to engineer a hat-trick for a player only just out of school? Fabrizi took the credit for the selection, but Carter certainly proved good enough and made the number 7 jersey his own.

But, Roy's obstinance had wound up Fabrizi who wanted him out. Using Ted's father, Fabrizi forced Roy to be late for the derby match vs Cranville. When Roy arrived and revealed the Italian's tricks, he was sacked, Taffy Morgan was back and Rovers went back to normal.

The second half of the season saw Rovers begin their European Cup adventure. Drawn to Irish Champions Kelbridge City, a haunted house distracted the Rovers and they went down to a shock one-nil defeat. A narrow win in the home leg, saw them through.

Next up was a fun tie against Doledo from Portugal. The Dynamos strong defence, saw them with the advantage after the first leg in Melchester, after claiming a one all draw. After partying the night away in Portugal the Rovers were knackered, but managed to claim a 2-1 win and progress to the semi-final.

Stalzburg were their German opponents, with superstar goalie Fritz Gruber. Gruber shut out the Rovers in the first leg, but could do nothing to stop Roy and Blackie in Melchester, and their goals sent the Rovers to Paris for the final.

Blackie scores the winner in the European Cup Final

Blackie Gray enjoyed himself so much in the city of love, falling for an international movie star, Suzanne Cerise. A love riavlry ensued, as a buff stuntman had already claimed the actress. Blackie was heartbroken, but ended up scoring the winner against Italian giants Nettruno and Rovers had won the European Cup at the first go!