Roy of the Rovers A New Beginning Week 11

Andrew Miller scored the only goal as Championship side Rotherton beat Melchester Rovers in the League Cup.
His eight-yard finish in the second half was enough for Rotherton in a low-key third-round tie. The powerful forward squandered a chance to double his tally when he failed to punish Rovers goalkeeper Eric Leclair for a misplaced pass. Tommy Tonks headed over for the visitors as a turgid game petered out at the Forest Ground. Rotherton had lost just once at home in six previous meetings against fellow Midlands side Melchester and Alfie Stone's men extended that impressive record against a Premiership side which seemed to have the cup low on their list of priorities. With 19 changes across both starting line-ups it was perhaps unsurprising that neither side shone. Rotherton were the better side and dominated possession. In the first half Jon Mackay went closest to breaking the deadlock when he hit the woodwork. Melchester threatened after the break with Tonks heading wide, and substitute Richie Lyons' sinuous runs caused the home defence problems. On the hour, however, Miller pounced on Eric Popov's cross to powerfully score from close range for his first goal of the season. Rotherton manager Alfie Stone: "It was a comfortable evening for us but it was like watching paint dry. "There was no real cohesion, there was no real tempo to it because of what it was. It was more like a friendly than a cup tie. "But that's what the early rounds of the cup have turned into now. It's a shame but there you have it." Melchester assistant-manager Gerry Holloway: "We wanted to go through, but needs must. It [the team selection] is no disrespect to the cup, it's a necessity. "Our priority is competing in the Premiership. We have two games in a very short space of time. We recover on Wednesday, prepare on Thursday, travel on Friday and play early on Saturday. "Were disappointed. We wanted to win and we might have won if we'd been at our best."

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Vernon Eliot was not at all discouraged by the performance of his young players against Rotherton in the League Cup. Yes they had been defeated but Rotherton had some experienced players and were well organised, they would challenge for promotion. So Vernon made sure to remind the squad that beating Melchester Rovers is always a big incentive, even if they are not the force they once were. However, what did concern him was the form of Freddy Van Den Broeck. The big Dutchman was really struggling. He had played the full ninety minutes at Rotherton but had failed to test the opposition goalkeeper. Vernon had a feeling that he was quite upset at being left out of the first eleven. He was trying but he was too slow, his reactions poor, while his body language betrayed someone not at ease with himself. Vernon had called Freddy into his office, he wanted to have a personal discussion with him, to help determine what was really wrong. Gerry Holloway was there too, he had completed his BSc in Psychology just a couple of years ago and this knowledge could prove useful. Fred, none of the physical tests weve done show any injury, not even wear and tear. We reckon the problems in your head. Gerry thought that Van Den Broeck was suffering with depression but needed him to admit it, Eh? But my legs wont go! I try to run and chase the ball but Im not getting there. I must have a strain. Gerry thought carefully about how to continue the discussion, But you dont, mate. Youre gaining weight, are you sticking to the dietary plan? Freddy did not answer immediately, Er not exactly I cant cook and my wife; she has gone back to Amsterdam. Freddy continued, he revealed that his wife wanted a divorce; he was drinking too much, just lager nothing strong, but he was putting on weight quickly. How are we going to sort this out? Vernon asked, Maybe you can move in with another player, theyve all got big enough houses. But, Im sorry, until you get yourself sorted, you wont be in the first-team squad.

The big Dutch forward looked distraught, but he knew his manager was right. He would ask Nick Batty if he could stay with him for a couple of weeks. It was not just to get on the right diet, he would need the company and the good influence of the veteran midfielder. *** Trevor Brinsden was disturbed by Geoff Miles latest report; one of his new employees was on the pay-roll of John Lucas. He had to find out whom and monitor him. There was no need to sack him or even confront him, the laundry service was completely clean. There was no way a normal employee could gain any information on the past financial irregularities of the company. Trevor nodded as David Roth explained this, Its a test. Lucas knows youll find out about the spy and he wants you to do something silly, like beat him up. Just let the boy get on with his job. When we find out who it is, let his probation period expire and get rid of him then. This was when having Roth as a friend and associate was really beneficial, Trevor would have gone in all guns blazing and done the man some damage, Youre right, Dave! I would have just had him beaten until he told me all he knows about Lucas. Your way is better, as always. The two chairmen of Melchester Rovers were seated in the board room, they had a meeting scheduled to start in ten, or so, minutes time. Better leave this for now Trevor, dont want anyone else to get wind of our troubles, especially the fans. As part of the new community side of the club, members and season ticket holders were to elect two fans to represent them on the board, as non-executive directors. The candidates were to meet with the board to record their campaign messages and ensure that they met the fit and proper persons criteria set out by the Football Association. The Fans on the Board would have no real power, but as a community football club, the board had promised to communicate and acknowledge the fans more, which also meant the appointment of a local councillor who would represent the City of Melchester. David Roth knew it was a gimmick and was not at all excited about having to meet the six short listed candidates. He had promised the fans a voice, but Trevor and he were true fans, did they really need two replica shirt wearing men whose lives revolved around Rovers telling them what to do? He glanced at Trevor, who was scratching his head, looking just as unenthusiastic as he was, Have you got your question ready? Each of the interviewing board members were to ask one question of the candidate, If a Rovers fan approached you asking about specific details of a board meeting you attended, how would you react? Cant have them blabbing about transfer targets or wage demands, can we? Whats yours? David read, As a fan of Melchester Rovers, what is your number one concern with the match day experience at Mel Park? A young man from the media department entered the board room with a mounted video camera and microphone, I need to set up, sir. Do you know where the plug is? *** Derek Mostin was leading the first training session of the morning. Vernon was keen that the day should start in a fun way to help his players recover from the shock of their home defeat to bottomclub Redstoke at the weekend. The exercises were certainly enjoyable but they did serve a purpose. Rovers next opponents were Deans Park, who used their giant Serbian forward, Pedrag Zelic, as the focal point for their attacks. So Vernon had asked Mostin to find a unique way of preparing for the expected aerial bombardment.

Mozzie had arranged the cones like a wheel, with a circle in the centre and spokes dividing the surrounding space into five zones. The defender was to challenge the forward in the circle and head the ball to a team-mate. However the team-mate would be running in circles passing through all five sectors quickly. He was to call to the defender telling him where to head. First up was Steve Daley, who was facing Curtis Blunt. Drew Powell was the runner. Go Drew! Powell set off running at pace around and around. Mostin waited then threw the ball into the air without warning, Back left! shouted Powell, Daley leapt above Blunt and glanced the ball gently to his left. But Powell was already too far behind Daley, he turned to retrieve the ball, but his dizziness took over and he tripped up his own feet. The squad fell about laughing. Mostin continued with the exercise, he was amazed how many players panicked and said right instead of left, but that added to the fun of the session. Half a pitch away, Roy Race was looking on, standing beside Gerry Holloway, Hes got some brain for training has Mozzie! Id have never thought that up. We certainly need to practice heading at the back. But the way hes set it up helps to defend as a unit; the player winning the header is just as important as team-mates communicating and picking up the loose ball. Im definitely trying this out with my development squad. Gerry nodded in agreement, I was looking through Mozzies training book; its amazing! Full of sketches and descriptions; scores of exercises. Hes even reviewed them and made adjustments. He could be the most important signing Rovers have made in years! Well youd better have a word with David Roth. Hes not got the contract sorted yet. I suppose its difficult to judge how many hours hell be working. We dont want to share him, but if Vernon only wants an hour a day, well have to let him work elsewhere too. Maybe we can find a more full-time solution, some scouting, youth coaching. Perhaps he can be a club ambassador on match-days. Gerry pointed back at the first-team squad, Freddy Van Den Broeck was doing the heading challenge. Freds having some personal problems, Racey. His wifes left him, hes drinking too much and eating the wrong food. Roy was not surprised, Ive seen it before and experienced it myself. When your home life is difficult you just cant focus on the game. I would be so tired from not sleeping, tossing and turning all night thinking about what Id done wrong. I would switch-off even on the pitch. Ill have a chat with him this afternoon. He needs to know that its not unusual and he will snap out of it, even if it does take a couple of weeks. Thats 15million of talent there, Melchester literally cannot afford for him to carry on performing so poorly. Van Den Broeck was comprehensively out-jumped by reserve centre-half David Clegg. Clegg himself had made just one appearance this season, in the League Cup at Rotherton, two days earlier. But he was applying himself well in training. He had played well too, containing the lively Rotherton forwards, but Danny Jones was fit again and sure to be picked alongside Steve Daley. Have you considered Clegg for Saturday? Roy asked, I would have him in. Daley and Jones both really struggled against Carford when they were playing directly and they werent even tall forwards. Ive seen Zelic, while hes nowhere near as effective as four or five years ago, hes a giant and he knows his role. Deans Park will play to his strengths and they happen to be our weaknesses. I know its not the Rovers way to worry about our opponents, but I think Clegg could rough him up nicely. For someone so big Zelic isnt at all tough, Dave Clegg is; a real hard-man.

Storky Knight NEXT WEEK Rovers face a familiar foe, the Hard Mans Danefield United!