roy of the rovers - a new beginning - week 32

8/11/2019 Roy of the Rovers - A New Beginning - Week 32

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Roy of the Rovers A New Beginning

Week 32


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As the full-time whistle went at Mel Park, Roy Race and his son, Rocky, both let out long sighs of

disappointment. Melchester Rovers could no longer qualify for the Champions League, they had

dropped to sixth in the table, behind the side that had just beaten them, Portdean. Sitting in the

spacious lounge of Rockys Baltimore condo, Roy reached for his mobile telephone as his son turnedoff the television set, Id better text Vernon and Gerry, let them know that this has still been one

heck of a season. Rocky agreed, Compared to the last two years, its been amazing. With two or

three signings, they could really challenge next season. Its still a young side and when Cheetham

returns and rebuilds the partnership with Powell, they could beat anyone! Roy tapped in a simple

message, Bad luck Vernon but were going in the right direction its been a great season! Roy. He

pressed send and reached over for his cup of tea, taking a sip. The seasons not over just yet, two

games left, Kingsbay and to finish, The Derby, Melboro! Fifth place would get us in the Europa

League, back in Europe where we belong! Roy had forgotten one thing, but his son had not. Rocky

Race had played for both Rovers and Melboro, one of only four men to do so (QUIZ: can you name

the other three?), so was more aware of the intensity behind the rivalry than even his father. And

as it stands, if the title goes to the last game, Rovers could deny Boro the championship!

Danefield United and Melboro were locked in a titanic head-to-head battle for the Premier League

title. Currently the team from the other side of the River Mel led Johnny Dexters side by two

points. If United win their two remaining matches and Melchester Rovers could beat Melboro in the

final game of the season, then Danefield would be champions. What more motivation could Rovers

need than to deny Melboro and get in the Europa League at the same time?

The two retired superstar footballers left the lounge through the large sliding doors and walked onto

the terrace. Roy was carrying his notebook and Rocky held his iPad. Shall we go through the tactics

for the Pine City match? Rocky asked, Thats a good idea, it will take my mind off the Rovers

result! Pine City, now that was a great pre-season; 1977, Blackie and I as guests for Pine City Pirates.

The standard was poor, I mean the domestic players werent much cop. But the other international

players, like Escudo, added some real flair to the league.

Rocky spoke, Looking back at that league, its surprising that soccer never took off until the nineties

here! The MLS, even now, doesnt have the stars that played in that mid-seventies era. Theyve

certainly never had anyone as good as you or Blackie! Roy made a disagreeing throaty noise, Er?

Son, the MLS had Rocky Race! As far as Im concerned he was one of the very best players on the

planet when he signed for Baltimore Bullets! Rocky was a little flustered, his father had never paid

him such a compliment before. Yes son, you were that good! I could never give you such praise in

public, the media would have portrayed it as nepotism and placed even more unrealistic

expectations on you. But you were some player, perhaps without the injury you would have brokensome of my records.


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Rocky had been wary of inviting his father over to the States, but by working together, their

relationship had evolved, they were now closer than they had ever been. For the first time in their

respective football careers they were equals and the tension that had existed between them had

faded. Roy was finally involved with his sons American family, he was playing with his

granddaughters and enjoying the company of his daughter-in-law.

So, the Pirates have two really good players, but theyre not a strong side. Rocky passed his father

his iPad, showing the Pirates line-up from their previous match against New York Hammers. They

were hammered, four-nil, only two attempts on goal, ceded seventy percent of possession. We

should hammer them too! Roy was not impressed with his sons complacency, Never take

anything for granted in soccer, Rocky. Theyre bound to make changes after such a poor display,

theres no way the Pirates will play the same way as they did in New York. Theres nothing to say

they will play better, they could play far worse, but they will not play the same way! So we still have

to prepare thoroughly, who are these star players then, Eagar and Samson?Rocky nodded his

agreement, Ronnie Eager, the former Portdean and Castlemere striker and the record scorer for the

Republic of Ireland led the line, he was supported by Samson, a young Brazilian Number 10 in the

traditional mould. Eager was a superb finisher and Samson could provide the chances, but so far this

season the Pirates had not clicked.

It will be really interesting to the contest between Figueroa and Samson. Samson will be quicker

and more agile, but Carlos has the experience and better ability to read the game. Perhaps they will

cancel each other out, but Im backing our man to come out on top. Rocky agreed, Hes the form

player in the MLS, just by sitting so deep he should distract Samson. Without Samson providing

chances, Eagar wont be able to show his class. That was what Roy was hoping for;after all he had

given the Bullets captain a free role. As one of the top players in the league, with over one hundred

international caps and league winners medals from Spain and France, Roy had very high

expectations of his performance and leadership. So far, since Roy had taken over, Figueroa had notdisappointed. In the three matches Roy had overseen so far, Baltimore had won all three,

convincingly. Figueroa had scored twice, both from direct free-kicks and assisted four goals. Right

now, Carlos Figueroa was leading the charts for the Most Valuable Player, the most prestigious

award in American soccer. Roy had made no secret of his demands that the Honduran continues at

such a high standard. He believed that the midfielder thrived on pressure and that the young Bullets

side would develop through following his example on the field. Results so far were proving Roy right,

but Figueroa had not responded well to Rockys management style and eventually Roy would leave.

Before then he had to try his best to ensure that the relationship between the permanent head

coach and the team captain was stable and based on trust and respect.

Rocky, what are yourlunch plans for next Saturday? Rocky said that he had none, Okay then, giveCarlos Figueroa a call, invite him here for a home-cooked meal. I think its time to make the Bullets

more of a family, like we always did at the Rovers. And we can watch the Kingsbay game too, let

Carlos know what the Melchester way is all about!

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Melchester Rovers recovered from the disappointment of missing out on the

Champions League with a convincing victory over Kingsbay.

Drew Powell cut through the heart of the Kingsbay defence to shoot past Adam Beinlich toput Rovers in early control.

Geraldo Nascante headed Jean-Paul Lamidel's cross past his own goalkeeper beforeFabrice NDiaye scored from the spot.

Rovers will finish the season in at least sixth place, a massive improvement on recentseasons and leaves them in a position to secure a spot in the Europa League if Portdean donot win their final match at Walford.

While Melchester have made great strides this season, the result did little to enhance theprospects of Kingsbay manager Joe McCaffrey, who faces uncertainty after anotherinconsistent season despite investing heavily in the transfer market.

It took 20 minutes before Bay threatened the visitors' goal and by that stage they could havebeen three goals behind. Richie Lyons had twice gone close before Powell opened thescoring after 14 minutes. The Welshman, who is thriving in the attacking midfield role, strodethrough the Kingsbay defence and collected Declan McKaffree's pass before beatingBeinlich at the second attempt.Shorn of the injured international striker, Ollie Morrison, Kingsbay lacked any purpose goingforward and they went further behind when Baker headed into his own net.


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It got worse before the interval. After a corner was cleared, Tommy Tonks's shot caughtStephen Dublin's arm and referee Jonathan Moore had no hesitation in pointing to the spot.

NDiaye dispatched his kick from 12 yards for his 10th goal of the season.

The second half was a damp squib in comparison but in a rare moment of action MichelMonteur fired wide after 57 minutes following Kingbsay's best move of the match.

The injured pair of Danny Jones and former teammate Ollie Morrison exchanged a friendlyhug in the stands before full-time, but there was still time for a scare for Kingsbay goalkeeperBeinlich after a collision with Lyons.

Whether Ollie Morrison will be smiling when the England World Cup squad is announced atthe end of the season remains to be seen.

Kingsbay manager Joe McCaffrey:

"[The negative reaction of fans] is never nice because the lads have given everything in theirbody to avoid relegation and get over the line.

"Supporters come a long, long way and pay good money to watch and try to see their teamwin. You've got to be big enough to take it.

"They're a young group of players as it is and it'll probably affect even the experiencedones."

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The captain of Melchester Rovers had not seen his sides latest match, the win at Kingsbay, he had

been packing and the contest had slipped his mind. His doctor, Nic Johansson, had finally given him

permission to return to England and join in contact training with his team-mates. With just one

match of the season remaining, Jake Cheetham had to prove he was ready, ready for the World Cup.

The big derby versus Melboro would be the perfect opportunity, he had two training sessions to

show Vernon Eliot that he should play, then he had to play perfectly to impress the England

manager, Ritchie Gunn. The former Portdean defender had been in regular contact with Jake, giving

him reassurances that he would be given every chance. Gunn had made no secret of his admiration

of Cheetham, he wanted him to be the vital attacking midfielder in his favoured diamond formation.

According to Gunn no other Englishman could play the role as effectively as the Melchester man.

Jake carried his bags down to the reception area where the doctor and his new friend, Magnus

Olsson, the ice-hockey star, were waiting to share their last breakfast together. Jake had grown to

love the Swedish breakfast, he thought nothing would ever beat a greasy spoon fry-up, but he now

loved crispbread. The only indulgence banned by the great sports doctor was the traditional coffee,

so the three men sat drinking freshly squeezed orange juice. I cant thank you enough, Nic! I feel

fitter than ever, not just the knee, but my overall fitness. I cant believe how much I had neglected to

eat properly! The doctor was not surprised, Just make sure that you continue with this good diet. I

can assure you that you will suffer fewer injuries and if you do you will recover in a shorter time.

Magnus confirmed the doctors theory, It has worked for me. I get lots of knocks in my sport, you

know, but I keep getting back in there to take some more!

So Jake, we are going to see you in Brazil, yes? the doctor said confidently, I can tell Mister Gunn

that you are fit, you can get your match sharpness back in no time. I know you are a clever player,

the match against Melboro and three friendlies with England, that is enough, I know! Jake was

pleased his doctor had so much faith, but he himself was suffering with major doubts. Jake was not

sure that Johansson really understood how intense the derby match would be. There would betackles flying in, Melboro were going for the Championship, they would take no prisoners. Jake was

certain that he would be clattered very early in the game. Melboro had few English players, they

had no interest in him being fit for the World Cup, all they wanted to do was win and secure the

Premier League title back-to-back, something even Roy Races great Melchester sides had failed to

do.

I know what you are thinking Jake! Magnus said, You think when you get hit the knee will break.

It will not, my knee has not, and in hockey you get hit much harder and much more often!

Johansson supported his countryman, Magnus is right! Your knee is as strong as ever, in fact it is

stronger now than before you were injured! The training and physiotherapy has made those

ligaments so strong. This knee is less likely to get injured now than at any other time in your career.Please, Jake, trust me!

The hopeful midfielder, took one final gulp of orange juice and stood, Gentlemen, I must say this

has been a pleasure. I would have liked to have met you both in better circumstances, but I have

made two great friends. The other two men rose to shake hands, Jake! You are going before we go

fishing, thats no good! Magnus roared as he squeezed the much smaller footballer in a bear hug,

Well Ill be back! After the World Cup, Im having my holiday in Sweden, then we can go fishing!

Storky Knight

NEXTThe biggest fixture in English footballThe DerbyMelboro v Melchester Rovers

roy of the rovers - a new beginning - week 32

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