Season Review 1988/89

After the glory of 1986/87 Melchester Rovers had their worst season since 1980/81. A record defeat against a Newton Oates inspired Burndean and a F.A. Cup quarter final defeat to lowly Bradfield Town, two particular poor showings.

The season started with the disaster of the 'Melchester Earthquake' as subsidence caused by the Melchester Metro system allowed the pitch to collapse during the match against Blackport. Luckily there were no serious injuries but Mel Park would need extensive repairs before it was fit for football. So Rovers moved to London to play at Wembley Stadium, where results were hard to come by as opponents raised their game and some of the Rovers players (notably Johnny Dexter) had to deal with a bout of Wembley nerves.

88/89 could also be noted as Blackie Gray's last season as a first-choice player. 'The Hitman' Terry Spring emerged as the new midfield dynamo and usurped old Blackie. It wouldn't be the end of Blackie's long career, but only odd starts and frequent substitute appearances would follow.

One notable result was in the F.A. Cup 5th round, when Rovers gained revenge over Burndean with a fabulous 8-1 win, including a hat-trick for young striker Wes Harper. But that was the only highlight as Rovers travelled to fierce rivals Melboro' on the last day of the season needing a win to avoid relegation. Two goals from Roy and one from Bruno Johnson secured a 3-1 win and their place in the First Division.

 
League: 19th
League Cup: Unknown
F.A. Cup: Quarter Final (lost to Bradfield Town 2-1)

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

Line-up (4-3-3):

Notes:

- No transfers this season

- Home matches from Deans Park to Selbridge were played at Wembley Stadium
- In the Blackport match Olsen was listed as 10 but wore 7