Roy of the Rovers A New Beginning Week 18 Melchester Rovers next opponents were Midlands rivals Weston Villa,

, now managed by former Rovers striker and assistant manager, Andy Maclaren. After leaving Rovers when Mel Stone was sacked as manager, Andy returned to Scotland and was soon appointed manager at Lochneath. Scotlands third biggest team, finished third and won the Scottish Cup after more than ten years of underachievement. English football returned for the former international striker and Andy moved to then Championship side Redstoke. In his one season with there, Redstoke made the play-off final, despite having one of the smallest budgets in the division. This was enough to convince, Weston Villa to take a chance. It paid off as Maclaren had led Villa to their first trophy in seven years in his first season in charge, winning the 2012/13 League Cup. However their subsequent Europa League adventures meant their small squad was being stretched to its limits. On Thursday they were at home to tough Spanish side Zamara:

Weston Villa were made to wait on qualification for the knockout stages of the Europa League after a narrow defeat by Spanish side Zamara.
Daniel Angel slotted home after Jimmy Driver's weak punch to avenge the 3-0 defeat in Spain in September. Lukas Kalac came close to clinching a draw for the hosts, but his shot was cleared off the line by Jerome Michel. Villa now need a point from their visit to Zalmo on 12 December to be sure of qualification. But they could still qualify even if they lose in Sweden, provided National Segovia do not beat Zamara in their final game. A draw would have been good enough to see Weston Villa into the last 32 after National's 40 home win over Zalmo. However, the defeat means Villa may yet pay a high price for the two added-time equalisers they conceded against National earlier in the tournament. They also face being without top-scorer Christophe Bartele for several weeks after the striker injured a hamstring just before half-time. On a chaotic evening in the West Midlands, Villa finished the game with 10 men after defender Leo Babos limped off late in the game with all three substitutes already used. And

they had to play six minutes with 10 men earlier in the half while a blood-free shirt was sought for Isaac Obodo after he came off the field with a cut head. Villa caused an early scare for Alvaro in the Zamara goal who looked vulnerable under the high ball, but then fell behind thanks to an error by their own goalkeeper in the 20th minute. Driver's tame punch fell to Borja outside the box. His shot was deflected into the path of Angel who stroked the ball into the bottom corner with Driver scrambling. Villa were then made to watch Zamara stroking the ball around, dominating possession and dictating the sedate pace of the game. And the English club's problems appeared to increase when Bartele was helped off after pulling up with a hamstring injury. He was replaced by Kalac who had the ball in the back of the net just before half-time after goalkeeper Alvaro had parried Alfie Eastmond's shot into the substitute's path. The goal was ruled out, although TV replays suggested neither Eastmond nor Kalac was offside. Villa should have fallen further behind early in the second period when Felix was put through on goal, but he put his left-foot shot past the post as Driver advanced. Weston Villa pressed forward and went close through Eastmond and Kalac, but failed find the vital breakthrough. VIEW FROM THE DRESSING ROOM Weston Villa manager Andy Maclaren said: "Tonight I think Zamara were the better team in the first half and dominated in midfield, not that they created many chances. We had a disallowed goal, but Lukas [Kalac] was at least one yard onside. In the second half we took over and had three or four chances but had one saved on the line and couple of others that very close. Maybe we will have to get that last point in Sweden."

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Rocky Race parked the sports car he had borrowed from his father neatly alongside Richie Lyons red Supra, he smirked as he counted the customisations, including the brand new personalised number plate, RL N09! The cheeky boy, he really wants that number nine shirt, Rocky whispered to himself, he knew the young forward had just bought the number plate, Lyons had posted it all over his Twitter account. The former Melchester Rovers number nine jogged up the short set of stairs and barged through the doors, entering his fathers office the back way, through the fire escape. Morning, Dad! Ive managed to get hold of a couple of tapes of Bromsmedes cup run, Rocky waved a flash drive and stuck it into the side of Roys laptop. I want you to watch these first, then well have a chat about the players. While you do that, Ill have a wander round and watch the firstteam training. Roy poured two cups of coffee and handed one to his son, I hope these lads are as good as you say. Im really not happy with the young players weve got here. Theyre spoilt brats, wrapped in cotton wool and promised the world. I need some real players, boys who arent afraid to fail, boys who play like men! Rocky nodded, Thats why I like scouting the non-league clubs, the young lads play tough football every week, unlike in the academy system. They can take a knock and dont whinge about it. Roy agreed, But they also play with a passion for the game. I think this academy lark has made football a chore for these kids. We had a match postponed last week, a flooded pitch, some of the lads were happy that they didnt have to play! Can you imagine that? I tell you what, there were some lads that I was still undecided on, but seeing that, theyre out the door in January! Rocky, wrapped the cup of hot coffee in both hands and made for the fire door, Well, Dad. Watch those four matches and tell me at lunch if you want to look at Carruthers or Dickson. If you dont, Ill take them to Brentfield. He slipped out and off towards the far pitch where the first-team were working with Derek Mostin. There was a nice atmosphere at Melchester Rovers at the moment. Of course Rovers were third in the Premier League and if results this weekend went their way, they could top the table for the first time in six years, and being around a winning team was always more fun than a losing one. Even those players not playing every week, the Cleggs and Van Den Broecks were laughing and joking, but still working hard. At least with the team on a long unbeaten run, they knew there was a very good reason why they were not being picked. Rocky was sure too that Mostins presence, now official, as First Team Coach was great for team spirit. He joined in most of the activities planned, still showing great skill and ball control, just without the explosive pace that made him one of the best attacking midfielders in the country in the early 90s. Jake Cheetham, especially, was learning so much from Mozzie, he was running with the ball more and more, his head high and his chest puffed out. There was not another midfielder in the Premier League who was so direct in possession, either in running or in passing accurately to his forwards. Perhaps there had been none, well none as effective, since the days of Mozzie, Rocky could not name any anyway. Royce, the Danefield captain was probably the closest, but had changed his game as he matured. Shearer of Eastgate was another, but neither were having the same impact on games as Cheetham. Rocky stood under a willow tree behind a goal of the pitch the first-team were using, taking shelter from the wintry wind blowing across the fields. He watched intently, Mostin was working on counter-attacks using the entire pitch. The aim of the exercise was to get the ball from one area to the other in less than ten seconds. The key to a great counter-attack is speed. But you can only move the ball quickly if you have options. The system we play is perfect for counter-attacking, because we have two wide men high up the field, all the time. To break we can either go long into the space left by an attacking full-back or go through the centre. Usually I think well be attacking down the middle, we get the ball to Jake or Richie and then spread it wide. Almost every attack in

the Premier League involves at least one of the full-backs, so we have to work on using that space. Try it now. Rocky leant against the tree trunk as Drew Powell started the exercise, knocking the ball into midfield to Cheetham. At that moment Rocky scanned the options available to Jake, he had four choices, Jacobs was running inside the right-back, who was back tracking, NDiaye had the entire outside right channel open to him, as the left-back was on the attack and out of position. Either ball wide could lead to a chance, but the long pass would be risky and difficult to complete. The other two choices would retain possession but sacrifice speed. Cheetham could play a short ball into Richie Lyons who was in the centre circle facing his own goal, holding off Danny Jones, again a risky pass. The final option, the one Jake chose, was the safest way to ensure possession, but the one most players never took; he ran with the ball. Lyons span away from Jones, dragging Daley with him. The captain darted into the space created in the inside left position. Now Cheetham and Jacobs were doubled up against Piedra, the right-back. Jacobs overlapped, down the outside, meaning Piedra could not go to Cheetham. Jake carried the ball still, now on the edge of the area. Daley converged, but Jake slipped a pass inside to Lyons. Richie adjusted his feet and fired home a powerful shot. Rocky was impressed. He had seen many great counter-attacking goals from Melchester over the years, most involving his father. Jake Cheetham really had that star quality. He was not just technically gifted, but he had a superb footballing brain. He seemed to make the correct decisions quickly, almost naturally. If he kept this form up, there is no way that Ritchie Gunn, the England manager, could not pick him in the attacking midfield role for the World Cup in Brazil. *** Trevor Brinsden, as he did every morning, scanned every page of the Daily Gazette, starting at the back until he reached the classifieds and then reading from the front. Again there was no reference to him in John Lucas column. In fact for the last three weeks Lucas had not reported on Melchester Rovers at all. He had chosen to cover Melboro instead, they were the defending champions and were top of the Premier League, so there was every reason for Lucas, the Gazettes chief sports correspondent to report on them. But Brinsden was paranoid, he was convinced that Lucas was keeping quiet to make him complacent; let his guard down, it was not going to happen. David Roth joined Trevor at the board room table, Lucas is still on Melboro, he doesnt like it when we win does he? Just read this nonsense. Nothing but praise for our neighbours, no mention of how theyve bought success. He just writes about the great signings and the depth of their squad. I know theyre playing well and have won the league twice in three years. But any club could have won with that amount of investment. That they won nothing in 2011/12 was pathetic. I hate them lot! I cant wait until Boxing Day when we put them in their place! And Kelburn, screw the lot of them. Melchester Rovers are a proper club, with history, with tradition, with class! Roth agreed, but being the pragmatic businessman, never let his passion overflow like Trevor, And Vernons getting us back where we belong. Speak of the devil The manager of Melchester Rovers and his assistant Gerry Holloway sat at the large table, it was time for the first review meeting of the new season. Seven people would be present, the two chairmen, the management team, Roy Race and the two fans on the board. David was to chair the session, he had carefully planned an agenda, that had been sent to the others a couple of days previously. Right gents, before we let the fans in, lets get some business out of the way. Vernon, only three weeks until the transfer window opens. Ill let you know now that weve nothing available, well nothing that would buy you any first-team players. But if you get any offers and want

to sell, you can invest that money in the transfer market. And of course well back your judgement on all transfer calls. Vernon, expected the news, but was not disappointed, Ive word that Alkhoven want to re-sign Van Den Broeck, if I can spend that fee, Id be willing to let him go. So if you want to get in touch with them and work out a fee, please do. I know Freddy would like to go back, his wife is there, I think shell give him another chance if he moves back to Holland. It might be a good deal all round. Roth made some short notes, Ill get my secretary to arrange a teleconference for tomorrow morning. We still owe Alkhoven around a million on the original deal, so it shouldnt be a difficult deal, but I reckon well get eight minimum. Is that acceptable? Everyone nodded their agreement. Anything else, weve only a couple of minutes before the fans arrive? Roy Race began to speak, Yes, my son has recommended a couple of players hes been following at Bromsmede. Id like to bring them in for a trail period. Theres a problem though; one the lads has just been released from prison, hes a violent chap. Id like to meet him though, I think I can turn him into a real player, as well as a decent member of society. Have you any objections to the bad publicity this will cause? Trevor and David gave each other a knowing look, Roth spoke, Let me and Trevor think about that Roy. We really believe that the reputation of Melchester Rovers should come above all else, even a potentially great player. But well get back to you this afternoon, Im sure you understand. Roy did, he knew it was a risk, but he saw this not only as an opportunity to sign two players who would strengthen his development squad, but as a way of rebuilding his relationship with his son. He could show Rocky that he trusted and valued him. I do need to strengthen my development squad. I have to admit that Im not getting through to a lot of this bunch. Too many of the lads want an easy ride to professional football, many think theyve made it already. Ive already decided that Im going to release a dozen of the thirty from the two senior groups, they are either nowhere near good enough or their attitude is appalling, or both! I really think having two more experienced players in the group will show these lads how far theyve got to go. The Bromsmede boys, with luck, could be ready for the first team next season. I can honestly say that none of my current group will be. Trevor spoke a little impatiently, You can bring the other lad in without the troublemaker cant you? Theyre not Siamese footballers are they? You already said that the young players arent listening to you, why would this one be different to them? Roy responded, Because he plays with passion and for the love of the game! Something thats missing from todays academy players. Vernon was listening carefully, mindful that he saw progression from the youth team as the most essential element of Melchester Rovers future, Bring them in Roy. Give them two days with your squad and if you want them, let me have a look at them train with the first-team for a session or two! David Roth noted Vernons view, Okay, as its a player issue and Vernon wants to have a look, thats settled. Get those lads in on Monday. Roth glanced at his co-chairman, giving him a nod, this would be Roy Races bad publicity, not the clubs. If the Bromsmede boy caused trouble, Roy would have to deal with it, he would make that clear at a later date if necessary. Thats that then, let the fans in and well get the official meeting out of the way! Well done Vernon and Gerry, the season so far is beyond my wildest dreams. Its early days I know, but with Tynecaster, Burndean and Carford taking points off one another, that fourth spot looks like a contest between us and Portdean. If you can make it happen, Vernon, and we get Champions League football next season, I promise there will be significant money made available for transfers. ***

Storky Knight Next Week: Rovers face their biggest test yet, Vernons old club Kelburn