popular STAND 62 by popular STAND fanzine

ISSUE 62

EDITORIAL Friends, Rovers, Doncastrians, Firstly, happy new year you all, and thank you for choosing to part with £1 for issue 62 of popular STAND and put a smile on one of our sellers’ little faces. Bless ‘em. Those of you who read issue 61 will have bore witness to (or witnessed bored) an editorial which doubled as something of a catharsis. The gist of it being, that only now members of the Rovers set-up had acknowledged the mistakes of last season, could I, and others, begin to move on and begin on the road back to feeling the way we had about our club before the glass elevator of Willy Wonga’s Short Term Factory landed clumsily on our doorstep. I am glad to say that over the subsequent month and a half since then that sentiment has been born out, and so I sit tapping out these words the happiest I’ve been about Rovers for some time. This is not,

as timing might suggest, a sly dig at the departing Dean Saunders (thoughts on which I expand on further on pages 18-19), but just a feeling, gained from the vibe and the personnel around the club, that I am following a team, and am part of a support, that I can relate to once again. In the past, I’ve cited the ‘togetherness’ and the ‘us against them’ vibe that got me hooked on Rovers and those elements plus a decent dose of humour (as reflected by the Rob Jones Fact centre-spread) - would appear to be returning to our support once more. The divide caused by the experiment has thankfully closed. And so I went to Stevenage, and though I wasn’t amongst the Rovers support, I enjoyed it again, and I’ve been smiling all weekend since. It’s a long time since I’ve felt like that, and regardless of results I sincerely hope it’s a feeling which continues. The reason I wasn’t in the away end at Broadhall Way, was because I took the opportunity to help the club out where I could. Less than 48 hours before the game an appeal was made for a match commentator for Rovers Player. It would have

ISSUE 62 // CONTENTS 06. Previously at the Rovers 10. What Are They Talking About? 13. In Off The Postbag 14. To Lindum and Back 16. Blowing My Own Trumpet 17. Managerial Merry-Go-Poll 18. Rob Jones Facts

20. Secret Lives of the Rovers 22. Voice of the Pop Side 25. Tea & Biscuits 27. Windmills of Your Mind 30. Tales of the Orient 32. Seasons in Retrospect 35. Easy For Dennis

popularSTAND // ISSUE 62 // JAN & FEB 2013

been very easy for us, especially given one of our default settings is cynicism, to sneer at such a revelation and make snide remarks about lack of preparation, but instead, having exchanged constructive emails with the club over the past few months, we elected to further bridge relations and volunteer. As though I am fiercely proud of this fanzine’s independence and have strived to reassert that whilst editor, we are founded on support of the Rovers, and so if we, or I, can help, we should. Of course that was before I realised I was co-commentating with an excitable biscuit-fuelled Paul Mayfield, but these are the things that are sent to try us. I joke of course, it was a pleasure to sit alongside Paul last Saturday and try my hand at something new. From the moment we first sat down and realised that Paul couldn’t quite see over the angled desk-top at the front of the box it was nothing if not an entertaining experience. We were also delayed returning to air for the second half due to Paul’s insistence on offering snacks to most of the home support around us; another little thing that Paul does without even thinking which helps to build a positive reputation of our club. ‘Biscuits Across the Ocean’ if you like.

we scream the faster it will spin false leads and yarns to the press before finally buggering off to another town, leaving behind disappointed young faces and at least one illegitimately conceived rumour. Currently whirling round on the bobbing horses are, amongst others, Glynn Snodin, Mark Robins, Steve Lomas, Paul Dickov, Gary Smith and of course Rob Jones and Bryan Flynn. In addition to these applicants, another name cropped up this week, that of 8-year-old Mac Wilson. The young lad had emailed an application into the club, and on receipt of it John Ryan called him up to offer him an interview. This is it John! This is the sort of thing that makes people warm to Rovers, not El Hadji Diouf talking himself into bookings, just good honest decency and a human touch in a game that too often lacks it. That’s what brings folk like me back. That said, it can be hard telling children

On your way into the ground today you can’t have failed to notice the flashing lights and Wurlitzer organ music carrying on the breeze – yes that’s right – the managerial merry-go-round has pitched up in the Keepmoat car-park. The louder

popularSTAND // ISSUE 62 // JAN & FEB 2013

they can’t have what they want, so lets hope John wasn’t too compassionate when showing Mac round the club today, though I suppose if he is appointed Brian Flynn’s relinquished tracksuit would be a decent fit for him. Assuming Mac’s CV isn’t fabricated and he’s not spent all week working on his best puppy dog eyes, opinions on who will, or should, succeed Dean Saunders remain very much divided. Indeed a poll we conducted of readers and social media followers produced a surprisingly varied response as you can see on page 17. Therfore it would be wrong of me to champion a fanzine’s collective choice, but for me personally I see no reason to alter the dynamic currently on offer at the club, and would stick with Brian Flynn and Rob Jones. As shown by the players joining the away support’s post-match ‘Always believe in Rob Jones’ singalong at Stevenage last week, the skipper is both respected and much-liked by his teammates, whilst Flynn’s experience of football at all levels far outstrips that of any of the other candidates I have seen mentioned.

TIM RYAN

playing football for Canal Tavern in Thorne. He’s still got it. I shouted “Shoooot!” but I probably shouldn’t have as I was marking him. spotter: @finderz4

LEO FORTUNE-WEST

In Asda last Sunday. Had some Mars bars in his basket (probably a treat for the players at his 1st DRFC training session as manager) spotter: @DrMuttley Is it even worth mentioning big Leo in Lakeside Asda? He lives there. spotter: @ chopper_donc64

But then what do I know? Enjoy the Flynn and Jones partnership whilst we have it, although do spare a thought for the people who set the camera positions for postmatch interviews and don’t know whether to expect Flynn or Jones. Anyway, enough of me, enjoy the fanzine and enjoy the game too, I think I might. Viva Rovers

popularSTAND // ISSUE 62 // JAN & FEB 2013

KYLE BENNETT

The other Sunday in Champs pub Sheffield watching the Arsenal game. He looked like he was ordering food, after an hour I expected him to be swapped for Coppinger spotter: @EJWilson5

TOMMY SPURR

Driving very considerately in his filthy white Merc on the M18 spotter: @bpdben

BRUCE DYER

Bentley Tesco. No sign of a bad back. He was near the fruit & veg. No sign of a clubcard either. spotter: @NathanDRFC

PREVIOUSLY AT THE ROVERS The time has come to emerge from your Christmas Quality Street binge coma and catch up with what you missed courtesy of popular STAND's regular diary feature.

Saturday 24th November

Rovers 4-0 Scunthorpe United

Joy untold at the Keepmoat for a 4-0 win; the only occasion when people will tolerate the repeated playing of Tom Hark. Rovers coast to victory in the M180-M181-turn-right-atthe-roundabout-derby, as goals from David Cotterill, Rob Jones, and Billy Paynter add to a satisfying first half own goal. After the game Brian Laws complained to the press that his Scunthorpe side are “a team that want to play nice football on a nice summers day.” Jumpers for goalposts… fat kid in goal… isn’t it… wasn’t it… marvellous.

Tuesday 27th November

Rovers 1-0 Olsham Athletic

Rovers take advantage of their game in hand to secure a fourth successive victory and move into second place in the table. A quickly taken free-kick form David Cotterill is the difference between the two sides as both teams ended with ten men; Iain Hume dismissed for two cautionable offences. “I’m pleased for all the supporters - we’re on top of the league on points,” says Dean Saunders, refusing to be bound by fripperies like goal difference.

Saturday 1st December

Oldham Athletic 3-1 Rovers

Another day, another game against Oldham with a trip to Boundary

Park providing the ‘Magic of the Cup’ in the same way that the slide down the park offers up an adrenaline-crazed thrill-ride. Rovers went 1-0 up early on through Robbie Blake (remember him?), but Oldham equalised on half-time and took control in the second half with two goals from Matt Derbyshire. On a separate note, does anyone want an oversized red and white ‘Up for the Cup’ rosette.

Tueesday 4th December

Crewe Alexandra 1-1 Rovers (Crewe win on penalties)

Rovers bow out of the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy on penalties, but are able to take much encouragement from a resilient performance by several of the youth team graduates. A virus in the squad meant debuts for Harry Middleton, Josh Meade, and Evan Finnigan, plus a rare start for Liam Wakefield, all of whom acquit themselves well as Rovers force extra-time through a late Chris Brown goal.

Saturday 8th December Swindon Town 1-1 Rovers

Not a classic, but another point picked up away from home for Rovers to extend their impressive unbeaten run. A tenth minute Danny Hollands own goal cancelled out the earlier strike from team-mate Matt Ritchie, though Rovers had the

popularSTAND // ISSUE 62 // JAN & FEB 2013

woodwork to thank for the point (as if it moves around and stuff)with the Robins’ striking the goal-frame twice in the second-half.

Saturday 15th December Rovers 1-4 Coventry City

At 1pm, standing outside the Keepmoat, I had a choice; Rovers v Coventry or Rossington Main v Pontefract Collieries. Due to a lack of funds I chose the latter, hopped on the 55B and was treated to an entertaining 3-3 draw, it’s doubtful I’ll ever make a better footballrelated decision. Rovers were completely undone by the inform Sky Blues who cantered to victory courtesy of a brace from top scorer David McGoldrick. The defeat dropped Rovers to fourth when victory would have seen them go clear at the top of the table.

Saturday 22nd December

Rovers P-P Milton Keynes Dons

Persistent rain means that the game with MK Dons is postponed at midday due to a water-logged pitch, but there’s still time for the now annual postponement PR own goal by the club, having confidently tweeted “No problems here” just an hour before the match referee called the game off.

Wednesday 26th December Oldham Athletic 1-2 Rovers

The Oldham Tests comes to an end on Boxing Day with Rovers winning the match and the series 2-1 courtesy of a last minute goal from David Syers. Rob Jones had put Rovers ahead after just three minutes, but following an equaliser from Youssouff M’Changama the game had remained very much in the balance until Syers managed to get on the end of a Tommy Spurr cross in the closing minutes.

Saturday 29th December

Preston North End 0-3 Rovers

Rovers’ impressive away form continues with a comprehensive victory over the latest set of hapless sods to employ Graham Westley. David Syers first minute goal whacks a lumping great spanner in the works of Westley’s tried and tested gamesmanship tactics and from there he’s nowhere to go. A David Cotterill free-kick delivery finds its way through a crowd of players and in to double the advantage after half an hour and Billy Paynter wraps up the points with a penalty ten minutes from time.

Tuesday 1st January

Rovers 2-2 Sheffield United

Just shy of 13,000 bowl up to the Keepmoat for this South Yorkshire holiday derby and Rovers look to have risen to both the challenge and the expectation levels as they go into a 2-0 lead through Billy Paynter and a third goal in three games from David Syers; an advantage they maintain until ten minutes from time when Nick Blackman reduced the deficit from the penalty spot. Rovers then see Paynter dismissed for an off the ball incident and the ten men can only hold out until the final minute when official club nemesis Dave ‘bloody’ Kitson (to give him his full title) bundles home the equaliser. As he celebrates the entire home crowd shake their fist at him in the manner of a wronged authority figure in a Carry On film. “We hate you Kitson!”

Friday 4th January

Rovers sign midfielder Lee Fowler from Fleetwood Town; the former Welsh under-21 manager supposedly swayed by the chance to reunite with his former Wrexham manager

popularSTAND // ISSUE 62 // JAN & FEB 2013

PREVIOUSLY AT THE ROVERS

Sunday 6th January

// CONTINUED Dean Saunders (a move which in hindsight looks like that bit at the start of Casualty when a bloke prodding at the mains with a screwdriver proudly announces he’s never been electrocuted yet). It’s a further boost to Rovers squad following the news that Andy Griffin has extended his deal with the club until the end of the season.

Saturday 5th January

Rovers 1-0 Colchester United

A busy day on Keepmoat mountain as Rovers bolster their squad in the morning with the signing of Peterborough’s Emile Sinclair on loan until the end of the season. Sinclair is straight into the Rovers side for the home game with Colchester United, but he struggles to make an impact in a dour afternoon’s football. The only bright spot secures the win; David Cotterill advancing from the halfway line before curling a shot into the far corner for the winning goal six minutes from time. “That’s four games without the opposition having even half a chance against us,” says Saunders afterwards, unwittingly giving the game away that he clocked off early from Tuesday’s match with Sheffield United to visit the DFS sale. Later that evening Wolves sack manager Stale Solbakken following FA Cup defeat to Luton and Saunders and Sean O’Driscoll are quickly placed as favourites. Rumours that Sammy Chung spent the evening frantically updating his CV are unfounded.

Rumour and whisper somewhat inevitably become fact as Dean Saunders is confirmed as the new manager at Wolverhampton Wanderers, and pictures of him in his best blue suit holding an old gold scarf soon appear. In various statements to the press Rovers make it clear they have Plan B in mind when it comes to Saunders successor, and supporters hold the breath fearful that John Ryan is about to unveil the English hip-hop and grime artist of the same name as the new manager as part of a ploy to get bums on seats.

Monday 7th January

Thankfully alias Flynn and Jones are the new caretaker managerial team at the helm at Rovers; Brian Flynn who had been scouting for the club in the past year and skipper Rob Jones are to take temporary charge of the side with Rovers not looking to appoint a new man until after the Orient game on 19th January. Flynn of course has a wealth of experience in the game and has managed Wrexham, Swansea and Wales at several levels.

Brian Flynn; look at his little face.

popularSTAND // ISSUE 62 // JAN & FEB 2013

Jones on the other hand is new to all this, as revealed on twitter as Paul Quinn let slip that the captain had text him a few hours after the appointment asking if Quinn had a whistle he could borrow.

EVANs WaTCH!

Saturday 12th January

because you have to keep an eye on him.

Stevenage 1-2 Rovers

Dean who? Rovers continue where the departing manager left off with a gritty, resolute performance at Stevenage which sees them fight back from 1-0 down via a wonder strike from James Dunne to secure a 2-1 win in injury-time. Captain and Assistant Manager Rob Jones delivering a great ending to the week as he heads home the winner in front of the 800 travelling Rovers fans after Iain Hume had forced home an equaliser with ten minutes to go. The win keeps Rovers second in the table, now four points clear of third place Brentford with Tranmere leading the way only on goal difference. The victory, a 12th consecutive match unbeaten on the road, also a new club record.

Steve is currently... Playing Superman whilst he waits for his tea to be ready.

KEEP UP WITH THE FANZINE BETWEEN ISSUES On Our Website

Sunday 13th January

A heart-warming note to end the round-up on as we here that amongst the managerial candidates lined up to be interviewed for the vacant manager’s position is eightyear-old Mac Wilson. The young lad had sent a letter of application to the club and on receipt of it John Ryan gave him a call. According to the official site young Wilson’s experience included two years playing with Sprotborough & Cusworth Crusaders and he vowed to get Rovers in the Premier League in three years. Kids eh? You have to love their innocent ideas? Everyone knows Crusaders are shite.

popularSTAND // ISSUE 62 // JAN & FEB 2013

popularstand.wordpress.com

Follow on Twitter

twitter.com/vivarovers

Like on Facebook

facebook.com/popularSTAND

Join us on Instagram

Search for ‘popularstand’

WHAT ARE THEY TALKING ABOUT? Ever wondered what other League One fans think about the Rovers? No? Well can you at least pretend you did as Jack the Miner has gone to a lot of trouble to assess the mood in the other camps. As I write this we are one win away from sitting on top of League One. We should be happy, knowing as we do, that the league table doesn’t lie. Sadly, I have bad news. Apparently the table does lie. It has become clear from trawling the forums of other League One sides that the league leaders elect, DRFC, are living a lie. It seems, despite having 22 clubs beneath us, that we’re a bit crap. Naturally, we can trust opposing fans not to be deluded or bitter so we need to take on board their constructive observations. Scunthorpe’s finest left the Keepmoat on the back of a 4-0 drubbing but the Scunny fans could see through the smoke and mirrors in a one-sided game,

‘Too many people were blaming the manager and ok he brought the players together but they need to look at themselves because that was pathetic today against an average Donny team’...‘I agree with you Foxhill, this is a very average Rovers side’...‘Probably the weakest Rovers side I have seen in a long time.’ Dean Saunders was probably worried putting his woefully

underperforming side out against Oldham but somehow we managed yet another three points. The Oldham fans, whilst blaming their weakness up front for their defeat, just couldn’t fathom how they’d failed to record a win against such feeble opposition,

‘How Donny are 2nd I don’t know, shows how poor league 1 is this season’ ‘We were more than equal with that lot tonight. Maybe at times we were a little too clever on the edge of the box, but let’s be honest, the biggest influence on the game was the inconsistent referee.’ ‘Probably the least impressive side I’ve seen all season’ Four days later Oldham had an early opportunity for revenge in the FA Cup and ran out 3-1 winners, prompting a Latics fan to observe, ‘I thought Donny were poor on Tuesday and this showed I wasn’t wrong. Bring on the Boxing Day game.’ In the West Country the Swindon fans accepted that their misfiring strike force had cost them a game they ought to have won.

popularSTAND // ISSUE 62 // JAN & FEB 2013

‘It felt like target practice’. And it was. ‘Disappointed by Donnny, who never even considered winning. Their prerogative I know, but I’d have hoped a side in second would have shown more intent’ which is a fair enough observation but just when you thought there was unanimous respect for our gritty display, someone had to spoil it...’another disappointing result yesterday against a poor Donny side in my opinion. Not sure how they’re 2nd’ The Coventry fans weren’t expecting anything from their trip to the Keepmoat. Most would have been happy with a point, but what a difference a day makes. The Coventry forums were enjoying their recent renaissance under Mark Robins but were keeping their feet firmly on the floor, yet their 4-1 win had them raiding the Christmas stash of booze nice and early. Mass drinking of the festive sherry seemed to cause mass hysteria with talk of automatic promotion, speculation about big money signings and a ludicrous discussion about how much they’d

need to increase the capacity of the Ricoh if they continued their rise through the leagues.

‘We’re the biggest club in the league so having the biggest wage budget shouldn’t even be an issue, we shouldn’t even be in this shite league’... Well, good luck with the expansion of the Ricoh mate. Last I heard you were looking at moving out to Nene Park, Rushden and still looking over your shoulder at Administration and fighting thegood fight with the owners, SISU Capital. When some Rovers fans talk about ‘getting some serious money people in’ they should be careful what they wish for. Presumably Oldham were still looking forward to taking on the lacklustre Rovers on Boxing Day. As we know, this was a home banker, what with the mighty Athletic facing lowly Doncaster Rovers. How they must have scratched their heads and choked on their turkey leftovers as they lost yet again when it mattered most...

Coventry City fans make the case for expansion popularSTAND // ISSUE62 // JAN & FEB 2013

players in his side for their demise; ‘Shocking post match interview. Blaming the youngsters is outrageous’...‘When managers start blaming the players it usually signals the end’... ‘One of the most cowardly interviews I’ve ever read’

WHAT ARE THEY TALKING ABOUT? // CONTINUED ‘We really are in trouble if we can’t beat Donny’ and ‘I’ve seen 4 seriously bad performances from opponents this season and 3 of those have come from Donny.’

Not bad for a man who said recently ‘I don’t do excuses’

What can you say? Sometimes it’s best to say nothing, look at the league table and smile from ear to ear. And laugh out loud like a loony. A 3-0 win at Preston was always going to pile the pressure on Graham Westley and football fans across the country must be enjoying every minute of it. The North End fans have had enough,

‘Westley is not good enough and out of his depth, I have said this from the start and will continue to say it until he goes’... ‘GW thinks he is somehow BIGGER than Preston North End ......the way he has conducted himself with tactics to opposing teams and managers has been a total disgrace and has dragged this great name of ours through the mud. Everything has to be about Graham Westley...I’m sick to death of hearing and seeing quotes online, stuff that tbh is totally unbelievable ...it’s never his fault!’... ‘The man thinks Iain Hume isn’t good enough but brings in an underperforming non-league has been Anthony Elding instead. Never has the phrase ‘out of his depth’ been more appropriate’ He attracted a few more baying locals with pitchforks and burning torches by blaming the younger

A good friend of mine is a Darlington fan. A few years ago he went to Blackpool to watch Darlo who had the nerve to take the lead at Bloomfield Road. He swears blind that a group of blokes in flat caps spent the rest of the match chuntering that this wouldn’t have happened in Stanley Matthews’ day. The North End fans can’t get the 50’s out of their heads either. It hurts when you used to be famous, even if you were only famous in grainy black and white film reels.

‘Doncaster today were shit, they failed to get out of 2nd gear and they hammered us 3-0. I hope that gives you some perspective’... ‘Correct. Doncaster were awful yet they strolled to victory’... ‘Doncaster were very poor, and this is backed up by stats. They nearly messed up a 2-0 lead against us, despite the fact that we were playing some of the worst football that I’ve seen in a long time. Their defence were all over the place when we put a bit of pressure on them, and were aimlessly hoofing balls anywhere’... ‘They only really had the chances that went in, and yet they were very poorly conceded goals and a penalty.’ You’ve got to love it. Just think how great it’s going to be when we’re any good.

JTM

popularSTAND // ISSUE 62 // JAN & FEB 2013

IN OFF THE POSTBAG Some recent correspondence has somehow made it through our complex security systems to reach the popular STAND offices, so we thought we might as well share it. Dear Sir, Many thanks for the copies of Popular Stand you send me every so often. Picture enclosed of a dinosaur reading the latest copy, so you can see it is a well-read publication (see below). I think he’s hoping we will draw a big team like Liverpool for example in the 1973/74 FA Cup, in the continuing saga serialised in the fanzine. I wonder have you ever thought of

putting a sausage in a forthcoming issue? It doesn’t necessarily have to be a real one, you could just have a picture hidden on one of the pages and us readers could all play ‘spotthe-sausage’ as a fun game. Or even just print the word sausage if you are too short on space to run a competition. Lots of people like food as well as football, so combining the two could be a winning idea. Merry Christmas Wayne Tomlinson

Dear Wayne, Many thanks for getting in touch.. We hope the dinosaur enjoyed the ‘zine. He looks quite content, but that could just be down to his lovely bed-spread. Thanks also for your suggestion, though current Food Safety Standards sadly prevent us from doing a real sausage giveaway, we have included the word sausage on this page five times as a thank you for your letter. Regards, popular STAND

popularSTAND // ISSUE 62 // JAN & FEB 2013

TO LINDUM AND BACK Half way through the season seems as good a time as any for Chris Kidd to have alook back at 2012-13 so far. I guess the New Year is the Paynter would be fairly useful over natural time to do a brief midthe course of the season. season report; to try and piece together how the season has Perhaps the most surprising panned out so far and what the thing about Rovers amassing possible conclusions may be. After 50 points from 25 games is that effortless relegation from the nobody predicted it and there were Championship a number of senior certainly few that expected it. The players departed the club who had season of 2012/13 was supposed been around the place a long time; to be a season of transition it was remarkably sad to see the and consolidation not one for a likes of Jimmy O’Connor, Brian promotion push. Possibly more Stock and James Hayter leave, surprising is the way in which men who had all played a big part Rovers have managed to amass the in the best years of Rovers’ history. points, performances at home and Conversely there were no heavy consequently form at home has hearts being dragged through been terrible whereas form on the the exit when it came to waving road has been excellent. We really goodbye to the likes of Pascal have struggled to find any rhythm Chimbonda, Herita Ilunga and at the Keepmoat and combined Habib Beye. with visiting teams that are set up to defend and nick a point from The revolution was now in phase the contest it becomes difficult to two having not been successful go for three points on home turf. during phase one, Saunders One pleasing aspect has been the mission was to build from scratch a improvement on set-pieces. It was team capable of handling transition a long standing joke for years that and maintaining League One Rovers never scored from corners status. Of course this had to be yet with the venerable excellent done on the back of a major wagedelivery of Cotterill and the height budget cut as a result of relegation; of Jones and Jamie McCombe in Deano had around £4million for the box we’ve started to convert the year to play with as opposed to from these situations. the £9million it had risen to in the Championship. And rebuild he did, It’s clear that Saunders strategy although there was not much depth was to recruit experienced League when the season got under way it One players capable of making the became clear quite quickly that step up with the key attributes of players such as Dave Syers, Rob good honest grit, determination Jones, David Cotterill and Billy and a hard to beat attitude. In popularSTAND // ISSUE 62 // JAN & FEB 2013 14

Cotterill we got a player with serious technical ability who perhaps just needed a break to show the football world what he can do; with ten goals from midfield at the half way point that isn’t a bad return. Iain Hume was another astute loan signing who fits right into the ‘Saunders Model’, he possesses a never say die attitude and outstanding work rate and has been a pleasure to watch. Yet six days into the promising new year and suddenly Rovers were manager-less, Saunders never to see the fruits of his labour after deciding to take the hot seat at Molineux. I still struggle to put my finger on what exactly Deano did right to get the team up to joint top of the league, it must be something perhaps best encapsulated in the main attributes of many of the players he brought in. It seems apt that Saunders last game, a 1-0 home win pretty much epitomised all of the games at home this season; Rovers somehow managing to win despite struggling for large periods of the ninety minutes. We wish you well Deano.

writing is still to be concluded. It’s a good situation to come into, a team riding high at the top of the league, it doesn’t need any tinkering or wholesale changes, it just needs some continuity, someone who can maintain and build upon the position Rovers find themselves in. Whoever it may be they need to make more use of the midfield, too often we try to turn defence straight into attack completely bypassing the midfield. As daft as it sounds we need to get Cotterill and Bennett into the game more often, use their technical abilities and exploit the speed of Kyle. We’re missing a midfield maestro akin to Stock, we won’t get anybody that good but we need someone from that sort of mould. The new manager has a great squad to work with and I believe the right appointment can get even more out of the players. So here’s to the next 21 games, no Rovers fan would have expected a direct return to the Championship but here we are in January 2013 and it’s a very real possibility. It would be nice to see a few more supporters join us along the way and get a few more seats used up in the Keepmoat. One can always hope.

The remaining 21 games promise more excitement under a new manager which at the time of popularSTAND // ISSUE 62 // JAN & FEB 2013

CJK 15

BLOWING MY OWN TRUMPET It’s not often that a manager departs a team on course for promotion to a mood of general indifference. Editor Glen Wilson reflects on Dean Saunders tenure and departure. So that’s that then. As swiftly as it began Dean Saunders time at Doncaster has come to an end. No slow build up, no fading out over the credits, just a quick scene change from standing by a dugout pointing, to holding a new scarf above his head. Both the start and end of his Rovers reign wrapped up inside 24 hours; linked to, talked to, appointed. It would appear that the rapid nature of Saunders departure has meant no real time for supporters to forge a drawn out analysis of his time at the Keepmoat Stadium, instead we can only go with gut reaction. Many are disappointed. A small few are delighted, and yet several, myself included, remain relatively indifferent. How to explain this indifference? Well perhaps it helps to examine the nature of the disappointment being felt by fellow fans, in that it appears to stem not from the concern of losing a master tactician, or a significant asset, but a due to a fear of disruption to a promising season. To his credit, after the horror show that was 2011-12 had ended, Saunders has done a very effective job. Despite a huge turnover of personnel in the summer, which saw around twenty players leave

the club, he has established a solid League One side that plays with character and a resolution that has enabled them to grind out result after result. David Cotterill, Rob Jones, Paul Quinn, Jamie McCombe and Billy Paynter are all strong, tried and tested, additions to the squad, though the shrewd capture of David Syers shows that there really was a genuine ability to pick out a prospect within Saunders’ ‘one-ofthe-lads’ persona. The problems for Saunders at Rovers most probably lie in the form of the inevitable comparisons to the football played under his predecessor. Following from the much-feted free-flowing approach nurtured by Sean O’Driscoll, Saunders effective smash and grab is the bran cereal for breakfast after the surprisingly extravagant home cooked dinner of the night before. Saunders style of play this season was set-up to be opportunistic; defending resolutely and attacking with pace. It is an approach which works well away from home when the opposition are less inclined to park the proverbial bus - as reflected by the fact Rovers have dropped only nine points on the road – but can also make watching home matches something of an endurance test.

popularSTAND // ISSUE 62 // JAN & FEB 2013

Saunders’ last game at the helm for Rovers. perhaps offered his time spent in the Keepmoat technical area in a microcosm, a dour 90 minutes of frustration punctuated with a moment of brilliance from Cotterill which proved enough to win the game. Wolves fans I note, much like ourselves 16 months ago, are being told that Saunders’ arrival will lift the dressing room, that he brings character rather than say knowledge, or tactical awareness. Having guided both Wrexham and Rovers to second place in their respective leagues before departing you would think he would be able to trade more on footballing know-how than that time he lobbed a throw-in off the goalie’s back, but football seems determined to pigeon-hole Saunders as a personality, and whilst that pigeon-hole continues to be one that directors, boards and owners root around in for new managers then it is perhaps unsurprising that Saunders himself doesn’t raise an arm in objection.

Given that Saunders left Wrexham in second place to be part of Willie McKay’s circus last season it can be no surprise he has left Rovers in a similar league position to move upwards once again. In response to this season’s comparative success many Rovers fans have been quick to disassociate Saunders from McKay’s experiment last term, perhaps suggesting he had been a victim of circumstance, that his hands were tied. Saunders though was very much a part of McKay’s plan, and he was fully aware of what he was getting into from the start, compliant and happy to go along with the scheme that allowed him the chance to move up the football ladder. Saunders then is a man for shortterm gain rather than long-term project, a manager for a quick fix and a decent soundbite. As such he will be an effective manager in modern football, but it also means that when he does seek pastures new, few will mourn his departure. There’ll be another manager not unlike him lurking in the wings.

WHO SHOULD BE ROVERS’ NEXT MANAGER? Here’s what Twitter and Facebook followers of the fanzine said;

Other People Picking Up 1 Vote: Steve Nicol Glynn Snodin Mark Wilson Gary Megson Phil Brown John Coleman Dave Penney Terry Butcher Kenny Shiels Leo Fortune-West Sammy Chung

popularSTAND // ISSUE 62 // JAN & FEB 2013

When Rob Jones is cutting a onion up, its the onion that starts to cry.

Time waits for no man. Unless that man is Rob Jones. [@KeiferBentley]

Rob Jones eats his soup with a knife and fork [both @Carl_Rovers_90]

Rob Jones got sent to Coventry, he sent Coventry back. [@AndyPearson2]

Rob Jones can win a game of Connect Four in only three moves. [@traceyd55]

Jesus can walk on water, Rob Jones can swim through land. [@sjhewitt]

Only Rob Jones can truly end the DFS sale. [@J_BELLAMY_19]

Rob Jones doesn’t wear a watch. He decides what time it is. [@Jones_G]

Rob Jones isn’t on Twitter because the followers counter can’t reach a high enough. [@LiamOtley]

When faced with a difficult situation, Jesus asks himself “What would Rob Jones do?”

Rob Jones can get blood out of a stone [@AdDaws]

If Rob Jones had been sent back in time to kill John Connor, he would have got the job done. [both @Joel_L80]

Rob Jones made Rick Astley give you up [@ChrisChapman42] Rob Jones can have his cake and eat it. [@mjpicko]

Rob Jones is all of Jay Z’s problems [@ChrisDonald92] Never mentioned but it was actually Rob Jones who stopped the world from ending on December 21 [@daniel_nice7] Rob Jones once topped the Olympics medal table [@AndyFromDonny] Death once had a near Rob Jones experience! [@wesco25]

ROB JO

Unable to be contained by conve is Rob Jones has now edged into c the craze he even has his own ha

popularSTAND // ISSUE 62 // JAN & FEB 2013

When Alexander Bell invented the telephone he had 3 missed calls from Rob Jones [@MickLargent] Rob Jones has a bear rug on his floor, it isn’t dead it’s just afraid to move. [@Rogers_Richardd] Rob Jones is Darth Vader’s Father Rob Jones can touch MC Hammer Carpets are scared of getting Rob Jones burns Ghosts sit around the campfire and tell Rob Jones stories In the beginning God created the Earth, and then Rob Jones headed it clear. Marmite made its mind up that it likes Rob Jones [all from @strdy] Rob Jones forehead is the hardest surface known to man. Nandos deliver to Rob Jones Arsene Wenger once saw Rob Jones [both @Gavinius] Rob Jones loves the jobs even Mr Muscle hates Stonehenge was created by Rob Jones playing Jenga Rob Jones is the only man who can make a tin of Ronseal not do what it says on the tin Mick Jagger has the moves like Rob Jones [all @DarrenBurkeDFP]

You know how Meat Loaf would do anything for love but he would don ‘that’, Rob Jones would do ‘that’ twice. Rocks get caught between Rob Jones and a hard place. Rob Jones led a horse to water and made it drink. The sun never sets, Rob Jones just heads it clear. [all from @vivarovers] Rob Jones had sex with a truck... 9 months later Optimus Prime was born [@ThomaslePazzier] God calls the Higgs-Boson the “Rob Jones Particle”. Stacey’s mom thinks Rob Jones has got it going on. Rob Jones is several steps beyond the heavy, heavy monster sound of Madness. The sun wears Rob Jones cream. [all @MikeSFollow] Rob Jones can quote the the first 10,000 digits in Pi. [@roversdazza] Kangaroo is Aborigine for “jumps like Rob Jones” Rob Jones sleeps under The Bogeyman’s bed. [both @TonyCSGreenall] The Holy Grail Is In Rob Jones’ Kitchen Cupboard [@Gary85Atkinson]

ONES FACTS

entional page layouts; the man, the myth, the marble counter-top that cult hero territory. And thanks to @strdy and @petchy72 who kicked off ashtag. Ladies and gents, we bring you the world of #RobJonesFacts. popularSTAND // ISSUE 62 // JAN & FEB 2013

SECRET LIVES OF THE ROVERS Mike Follows continues his series by looking at

Perry Suckling - Soldier of Fortune

Perry Suckling is fondly remembered by several men of my age as a Panini “Rising Star” sticker from his days as Manchester City and England under-21 goalkeeper. The fact the album containing said sticker was used as a cover for passing round a dog-eared copy of Escort in the schoolyard bears something of a resemblance to the extraordinary life of the man who spent the last of his Football League days as understudy to Dean P. Williams. For under an innocent and unremarkable cover lay something quite salacious: the terrifying life of a mercenary as revealed in an exclusive interview given to popular STAND by his former window cleaner, Darren Cobblers:

“One Thursday morning whilst Perry was out at training I dropped my cloth down a drain. Not wanting to hassle the neighbours I thought it best to jemmy the padlock off his garage and go in to look for a replacement. I pulled back a tarpaulin to find a makeshift tank, welded together out of Land Rover parts and an old set of goalposts. Thinking nothing of it, I helped myself to a spare cloth. Being security conscious, I also took his lawn mower and put it in the back of my van as I didn’t want to leave an opportunity for thieves to sneak in through the open door and pinch it”

Tipped as a future full England international, Suckling’s career took a turn for the worse when he was in goal for Crystal Palace during a 9-0 defeat to Liverpool in 1989. As we chatted over a pint of Sam Smith’s Alpine Lager, Cobblers explained that the promising shot-stopper ’s mind was on international matters of a different kind that day:

“I was hanging around Perry’s kitchen door smoking a roll-up and waiting for a bucket of soapy water when I overheard him talking on the phone. His voice sounded agitated so rather than disturb him, I thought it best to help myself to a can of Hofmeister from his fridge and wait until he’d finished his conversation. What I heard was quite amazing. He was talking to a Kuwaiti Oil Billionaire about a plan to take out Saddam Hussein.” Following Palace’s defeat, Suckling was unusually quiet on the coach journey home which his team mates and manager put down to the trauma of conceding so may goals. Little did they know that he was going straight to Gatwick for a flight to the Middle East. After a quick fag break and another trip to the bar, Cobblers continued his insight into the incredible secret of the popular goalie:

popularSTAND // ISSUE 62 // JAN & FEB 2013

“Perry was away for five days. Whilst going round the back to clean his patio doors, I accidentally put my ladder through the kitchen window. Not wanting to leave the house unattended in case of burglars I decided that the best thing to do would be take up residence there until he got back. I was opening his post for him one morning when I saw confirmation of a loan move to West Ham so I knew he’d be coming home. Not wanting to shock him on his return, I gathered up any valuables I could find in the house for safe keeping until the window was fixed, then went to do a bit of fishing. I’m still convinced that had the Hammers not needed him to sign the loan

agreement, he would’ve got to Saddam and prevented two Gulf Wars.” Unfortunately, our interview ended at this point due to Cobblers getting lost on his way back from the toilet and ending up behind the bar next to where the fruit machine keys were hung up. Despite this being an innocent mistake, he was invited outside by the landlady’s step son to discuss it further. Nevertheless, a remarkable insight into the amazing secret life of another Rovers player. Next Issue: The Gender-Bending Secrets of Warren Hackett.

episode 7: the case of the DISAPPEARING GAFFER “I’ve spoken to myself and i tell me that i am still Rovers manager… and I believe me. My investigations are still on going”

popularSTAND // ISSUE 62 // JAN & FEB 2013

VOICE OF THE POP SIDE As Edwin Starr ‘s less successful folllow-up single goes; Referees! Huh! Yeah! What are they good for? John Coyle investigates.

THE REFEREE’S LAMBASTED

Neville Cardus had it right- a referee “is like the geyser in the bathroom; we cannot do without it, yet we notice it only when it is out of order.” The legendary cricket writer was, of course, talking about cricket umpires, but his comment applies equally well to football referees. Just recently we have had a few out of order geyzers at the Keepmoat. Of the “performance” of Mike Russell in last April’s game against Portsmouth, perhaps the least said the better. Then on New Year’s Day David Coote, who had controlled the Rovers v Sheffield United derby pretty well for 70 minutes, had a horrible last 20 with Rovers being on the receiving end of most of his errors. However, my aim here is not to criticise referees: more to think about how they can be helped to do their jobs much better. I was prompted by the scenes at Old Trafford on Boxing Day, when a Newcastle goal against Manchester United was allowed to stand by referee Mike Dean even though his assistant had flagged a visiting player as offside. Dean was using the officially approved interpretation of the offside law, in that a player was not offside because he didn’t touch or play at the ball. Like a lot of people in the game, Sir Alex Ferguson considers

this to be wrong - even more so when his team is on the receiving end! So at half-time Fergie was to be seen haranguing Dean then Dean and then turning his attention to the assistant. (I assume he was haranguing the officials: unless Sir Alex’s body language and facial expressions are radically different from everyone else’s I don’t believe he was wishing them compliments of the season!) Despite this, Dean chose not to report the matter and the FA, in a display of the sort of moral cowardice which has been their hallmark over the years, considered the matter closed. Yet on the same day began proceedings against two other managers who made remarks about officials in their post-match press conferences. Double standards could be argued with some justice, but there is something more serious to consider. That more serious point of consideration is what happens each week at the grass roots of football. Referees of far less eminence than Dean, though no doubt with the same dedication to the game, are routinely abused, sometimes physically, and each year a few more decide enough is enough. Like that bathroom geyzer that is sometimes on the blink, we can’t do without referees and you have to

popularSTAND // ISSUE 62 // JAN & FEB 2013

ask what will be the result of Fergie’s well-publicised rant? Will a Sunday League player or manager feel empowered to lambast an official, using colourful language, or maybe go a bit further than that, as a result of seeing one of the greatest-ever managers in the game putting a refin his place? The FA should have charged Ferguson with bringing the game into disrepute, and they should also be asking themselves why Dean did not feel able to report the matter. Did he feel he wouldn’t be backed, or that he would be prevented from refereeing Manchester United games in the future? The FA and other authorities could learn a lot from Fergie in the way he manages matters at Old Trafford. He backs his players to the hilt in the public domain, but maintains a rigorous, not to say ruthless, system of quality control behind closed doors. Players who are not good enough are soon moved on. The FA should do likewise: defend their officials from criticism but take steps to improve or remove those who fall short of the required standards. There are other things the authorities can do to make the lot of the referee a much happier one. Goal-line technology looks like it will finally be introduced after many years of discussion, even though similar systems have been in place in tennis and cricket for years. This will, though, address only one area of controversy, namely whether the whole of the ball has crossed the goal-line, an issue that arises fairly infrequently. For example, it will still be up to the judgment of the officials on the field whether an offence has taken place inside or outside the penalty

area I would like to see the referee be able to use whatever technology is available at a particular game. If a game is being televised, and there are cameras at almost every professional game these days, the referee could stop the game and say “I’d like to see that again.” Then either he, or the fourth official on his behalf, could quickly watch the incident again and see if his original judgment is borne out. There would be no “review requests” (as in cricket) or “coaches’ challenges” (the NFL): it would be under the control of the referee. Interestingly there is a precedent for this kind of thing: it is just that the authorities would rather not admit it happened. Think back to the 2006 World Cup Final in Berlin. In extra time, Zinedine Zidane headbutted the Italian defender Matarazzi, an incident seen by millions of TV viewers but not by the three match officials. Zidane was correctly sent off, apparently on the word of the fourth official, but those close to the technical area claimed that he, too, did not see the incident. Although officially denied, it was claimed that the Frenchman’s offence was reported to the fourth official by his colleague, the reserve assistant referee, who had no formal duties (or official standing) but did have sight of a TV monitor. So, the correct decision was arrived at, though not via due process. However, imagine the furore if no action had been taken at the time against Zidane. Also, imagine how much better it would have been had the referee been able to access TV evidence, as he clearly knew “something” had happened- even though he and his colleagues

popularSTAND // ISSUE 62 // JAN & FEB 2013

VOICE OF THE POP SIDE // CONTINUED hadn’t seen what that “something” was. Staying on the theme of the use of replays, the FA could make more use of them to deal with incidents not adequately sanctioned by the referee on the day. The FA often claim that they cannot “re-referee” games as directed by FIFA, but they should look over the border to Scotland where a compliance officer can issue a suspension to a player whose offence was not punished strongly enough. This year started with the Edinburgh derby, where Hearts’ Ryan Stevenson was handed a retrospective suspension for an x-rated tackle on a Hibs player, even though the referee took no action. If the Scots can do it, surely so can we. Other ideas have included Sin Bins, and although I’m not averse to these being trialled for offences such as persistent dissent, I think

having a player off the field for a period of time could have a big effect on a football match- not necessarily to the detriment of the offender’s team. Although these types of sanctions, like the ability to advance the placement of free-kicks, are used to good effect by rugby referees, we have to remember that football and rugby are different games. Possession and territory are far more vital to a side’s success in the latter than in football. Also, maybe before we hold up rugby as a shining example of how referees are respected we should consider that with the increasing professionalization of the game has come increased criticism of officials. Seldom a week passes these days without a top rugby coach expressing disappointment at a referee’s performance. Though perhaps such criticism is not couched in quite the same terms as that used by Sir Alex Ferguson. Football needs referees, and referees need help if they are to perform their duties to greater satisfaction. It is time that the football authorities gave them that help.

PEARLS ON DEAN

Just when I was starting to warm to Dean Saunders, he’s gone off to (supposedly) better things at Wolverhampton Wanderers. In years gone by, Wolves used to cream off the best young playing talent from the South Yorkshire area: now they content themselves with nicking our manager. In truth, it was an offer that Saunders would have found difficult to refuse: after all, he has to think of his career and his family, and there are few people who would turn down a better-paid job. Especially when he didn’t even have to

go through the process of applying for the job before it was offered to him. I hope he won’t regret the fact that he didn’t stay and finish the job at the Rovers, as his CV would have looked even better with a promotion on it. I also hope his successor, whoever that may be, can achieve the same or better results as Saunders did (which have exceeded all expectations this season) while producing football with a bit more flair and panache- especially at the Keepmoat. Now there’s a challenge!

popularSTAND // ISSUE 62 // JAN & FEB 2013

TEA & BISCUITS

WITH SEAN & DEAN Two promotion chasing Rovers sides, but is one better than the other? Jack the Miner lets the two managers decide for themselves. Sean O’Driscoll’s 2007/08 promotion winners or Dean Saunders’ promotion-inwaiting side of 2012/13.? Which is best? We’re not talking about what these sides might become in the future but their qualities within the nine months of the promotion season itself. We asked Sean and Dean to settle the issue. Just after New Years, in a secret location – a hotel lounge somewhere in South Yorkshire – the two men meet and shake hands. SO’D: Good morning Dean DS: Hiya Sean. New cagoule? SO’D: Yes. A pack of three for £19.99. Three different colours. Map pocket too. Have to say I wish I’d bought two packs. Chances like that don’t come along very often. I should have just gone mad. Sean orders a cup of tea. Dean asks for a Champagne Daiquiri. There is a short delay when Dean asks for one of those small paper umbrellas. DS: I know you’ll talk about performance and players taking responsibility Sean but it’s a results business. And my lads have got points winning nailed. SO’D: That’s odd. I’ve seen your boys at home several times this season and not seen them win once. DS: It doesn’t matter where you pick up the points. We will go up automatically. We won’t need the play-offs like you guys. You averaged 1.73 points per game. We’re on 1.92 points per game.

SO’D: Maybe, but we did things with a bit of class. Look at our defence. We had international defenders in Sullivan and Roberts in their prime. Perhaps the best defender in the league in James O’Connor and the huge potential in Matt Mills. Whereas you have...let’s say, solid dependable performers. DS: I might take the younger O’Connor from you and Sullivan too but, frankly, I ‘m not sure I’d change anything else at the back. Your superstar defence conceded 0.89 goals a game. My lads have conceded 0.92 per game. There’s nothing in it. SO’D: Roberts and O’Connor were more of an attacking force than Spurr and Quinn. DS: Maybe, but we’ve got Rob Jones contributing at set pieces. I don’t recall your defenders chipping in too much. And we score from corners and set pieces. Your side never did that. Sean unzips his cagoule and investigates the plate of biscuits. He ignores the chocolate digestives, Bourbons and Jammy Dodgers and selects a Rich Tea. SO’D: You forget we did it creatively from open play. We were creative. Incisive. We had the engine of Paul Green, the quality of Richie Wellens and Brian Stock and the occasional genius of Jamie Coppinger. DS: Is that the Paul Green you left out because you preferred Mark Wilson? Sean shuffles in his seat and stirs his tea.

SO’D: It’s all about the right player at the right time. We had an exciting midfield Dean leans back in his chair and asks for whatever the line up. a fresh cherry for his cocktail. DS: Yes, I heard about playing forty popularSTAND // ISSUE 62 // JAN & FEB 2013 25

consecutive passes before the ball eventually ended up back with Sullivan. Anyway, my midfield can excite too. Look at Cotterill and Bennett. SO’D: Take Cotterill out of your team and it doesn’t function. We were never heavily reliant upon one player. We didn’t even need Heffernan in the play-off final. We had Coppinger, Stock, Price and Wellens. Players that would get supporters off their seats. With respect, you’ve only got Cotterill that can do that. DS: But we have firepower up front. SO’D: Firepower to compare with Heffernan and Hayter? DS: We average 1.5 goals per game. Everyone chips in. Your side averaged 1.41goals a game. We score more. We defend just as well and win more points. I rest my case. SO’D: So how come a table topping side like yours is playing in front of dwindling crowds? The fans might enjoy looking at the league table but they don’t want to pay to watch your side. DS: The crowds are affected by other factors. It’s not just entertainment value. When you were in charge you couldn’t hold a lead despite your ball holding abilities. When you went behind the game was over. My side don’t give it away once we are in front and we’ve come from behind more times in one season than your teams ever did, boyo. Fans like a bit of fight in a side. Dean orders a pink gin.

side over the finishing line for any reason. At this stage we brought in Dave Penney as a neutral observer. What did he think about the two sides? DP: To be fair it’s a tough choice. DS: Dave, why do you always say that? DP: Say what? DS: To be fair... DP: I didn’t know I did. No-one has mentioned it before, to be fair...One side could be attractive to watch but brittle. The other isn’t easy on the eye but it doesn’t lie down and die. Both are effective, to be fair. SO’D: You’re right Dean, he does say that a lot doesn’t he? DS: He does. DP: I reckon if Saunders Rovers visited O’Driscoll Rovers as the away side they might nick it. I can see Sean’s team getting bogged down in midfield and bouncing off the Saunders back four. If Dean’s side were at home they’d not win. They just don’t function at home. You wouldn’t keep Heffernan out for two games running and there’d be at least one spark of magic from Stock, Coppinger or Price to make it square on aggregate. It’d go to penalties to be fair. Dean finishes off his pink gin and puts the little umbrella in his pocket to take home. Everyone shakes hands. Sean zips up his cagoule.

DS: Did I tell you I was friends with Mark Lawrenson? DS: So, still looking for work? SO’D: On a number of occasions...You SO’D: Biding my time Dean, biding my know Dean, all these statistics are very time. If the Norwegian at Wolves doesn’t well but one important fact is that I work out I’d really like the Wolves job. And finished the job. I got my side out of this you? You seeing it through at Rovers? league. Read the history books. It’s there. DS: Oh, sure, yeah. I’ve got no medals Your job is only half-done. 20 games left. on my management C.V. yet. Can’t see a The pitches are still heavy. Suspensions bigger club coming in for me...to be fair. will start to mount and the opposition Both men wander off chuckling to know all about you now. Rovers history themselves leaving Dave Penney to pick won’t be kind to you if you don’t get your up the bar bill. JTM popularSTAND // ISSUE 62 // JAN & FEB 2013 26

WINDMILLS OF YOUR MIND Our resident statistician Dutch Uncle wonders whats in a name? When Michael Woods entered the pitch as a late substitute in the recent FA Cup tie against Bradford Park Avenue he joined his two non-related namesakes Gary and Martin, thus providing Rovers with three players of the same surname on the pitch at the same time. This had me scurrying away to find when this last occurred, and I am sure there will not be many around today who will remember the occasion first hand. It seems that the last time this happened there were more Trees than Woods on the pitch as Geoff, Jimmy and Ron Walker (not our own Walker brothers since the Rovers trio were also not related) played in a Division 2 League match at the County Ground in Nottingham on 26 March 1955, a game in which Forest beat Rovers 3-1. Despite the fact that all three players were still on the books for the following two seasons, this was to be the last of 6 games in which they all played together. Since only one of those games was won (against Bury) obviously any confusion on the opposition side did not seem to help Rovers very much.

records to show whether manager Ian played in that game. Lee did not make any first team appearances in competitive matches apart from in the SSC Cup. More recently, during the close season of 2006, we signed Gareth Roberts at a time when we had brothers Neil and Steve on the books - all three full Welsh Internationals by the way. However Neil was transferred to Wrexham before the start of season 2006-7. During the period 1993 to 1995 we had a number of players called Williams - 5 in fact. Even more confusingly we had two called Dean and two called Paul. Dean P Williams the goalkeeper played a total of 95 games for Rovers between 1993 and 1997 and is probably the most remembered of the quartet. Dean A Williams the striker played one game for Rovers on 24 September 1994 against Preston North End. Dean P was in goal that day but Paul L Williams, the fullback/midfielder, did not playing in that match. Paul L played his last game during the 1994-5 season, and Paul A the striker played all his 3 games for the club during the 1995-6 season. Unfortunately there was no occasion with any three of them on the pitch at the same time. Incredibly we also had yet another Williams on the books in 1995-6, namely a young goalkeeper called Phillip Williams who never played a first team game.

There have been a few occasions since then when we were close to putting three of the same name on the pitch, notably in the 1999-2000 season when we had Ian & Glyn Snodin as registered players, and also Glynâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s son Lee. Glyn and Lee both scored in the Sheffield Senior Challenge Cup 5-0 victory over Brodsworth Main, but I have no popularSTAND // ISSUE 62 // JAN & FEB 2013

Before 1955 we have to go back to the 1920’s to the find the other occasions on which Rovers had three players of the same surname playing. In fact no fewer than four of the famous Keetley brothers played for the Rovers between 1924 and 1929. The Keetley family had 11 brothers and one sister, and 6 of the brothers went on to play in the Football League. Of the four that played for Rovers, Tom is the most famous being a CentreForward and Rovers all time record goalscorer with 180 league goals in 231 appearances (186 in 241 in all competitions) between 1923 and 1929. The three other Rovers brothers were also forwards with Frank scoring 30 times in 113 appearances in all competitions between 1926 and 1929, Harold scoring 26 in 50 appearances between 1924 and 1926, and Joe failing to score in his 2 appearances for the club in 1926. Tom and Harold both played in Joe’s two matches against Wigan Borough and Accrington Stanley. During the 1926-27 season Tom, Frank and Harold played together in a total of 15 matches (8 won, 2 drawn, 5 lost). Although two of the brothers scored in the same match on several occasions, never did all three find the net on the same day, despite Tom scoring 37, Frank 9 and Harold 7 times that season. Less well known is that Tom Keetley went on to score nearly a hundred league goals for Notts

County after he left Rovers, and he ended with a total of 284 football league goals. This puts him 20th on the all time list for the English Leagues. He is also 31st when including Scotland, Wales, Ireland and Wartime League competitions, where interestingly he is not the highest placed player who has played for Rovers. That honour falls to a certain Peter Doherty who is in 21st position with a total of 300 league goals in English, Northern Irish and Wartime League competitions. As a quiz question can anyone name the two other ex Rovers players from the list of players who have scored more than 200 league goals? Since we are talking about names I thought I would throw out a few ideas for themes for choosing alltime Rovers teams. I remember the first cup-final I watched on television was West Ham against Preston in 1964, and despite Bobby Moore and Geoff Hurst being in the team, no fewer than 7 of the West Ham players had a surname starting with B. Since my surname (and more importantly that of my editor) begins with ‘W’ I will use that - and anyway this article started off with Woods and Walkers. So my all-time personal favourite team beginning with W (well at least since I started watching, hence no Walkers) is below:

Andy Warrington Harold Wilcockson; Russ Wilcox; Lee Warren; Jim Watton Neil Woods; Richie Wellens; Graham Watson; Martin Woods Alan Warboys; Tony Woodcock Subs: Gary Woods; John Wylie; Dick White; Mark Wilson; Danny Williamson; Keith Webber; Billy Whitehurst / Manager: Steve Wignall popularSTAND // ISSUE 62 // JAN & FEB 2013 28

Another possible theme is place names. Here is my all-time favourite team of players whose surname is British city or town (OK maybe sometimes rather small, and the team has to include at least one place in Wales, Scotland and Ireland): GK: Ken Oxford RB: Brian Caswell CB: Andy Crosby CB: Dave Morley LB: Dennis Leigh RM: Archie Irvine CM: Keith Ripley CM: Ricky Ravenhill LM: Dave Bentley CF: Laurie Sheffield CF: Paul Barnes; Subs: Stuart Nelson; Ted Hemsley, Colin Sutherland; David Cork; Alfie Hale; Mark Sale; Steve Burton; Manager: Keith Kettleborough

(OK - slightly cheating with Ravenhill and Sutherland but on the other hand I did resist the temptation to add Jack Lester and Duane Darby). Just to finish off with a couple of updates on random factoids in recent articles - when Chris Brown scored against Crewe in the JPT (latest title for the Associate Members’ Cup) match recently a few things may have escaped your notice: 1. First he became only the 5th member of an elite list of players who have scored for Rovers in 3 cup competitions in the same season, joining Graeme Jones, Colin Cramb, Mark McCammon and Brian Stock. James Hayter also scored in 2 cups and the playoffs in 2007-08. 2. Secondly he became only the third player in the history of the

club to score for Rovers in 6 different competitions (Football League Tiers 2,3 and 4, FA Cup, League Cup and now Associate Members’ Cup). The other two are Brian Stock (Football League Tiers 2 and 3, FA Cup, FL Cup, Associate Members’ Cup and Football League Playoffs) and the overall leader Paul Green with 7 competitions (Football League Tiers 3 and 4, Football Conference, FL Cup, Associate Members’ Cup, Conference Playoffs and Football Association Trophy). 3.Finally, when he scored his most recent goal (prior to this article being written) against Coventry City, the time between his first and last goal for the club was extended to approximately 3359 days which takes him up to 7th on the all time list after Alan Warboys (5719 days), Alick Jeffrey, Colin Douglas, David Harle, Bert Tindill and Syd Bycroft. Earlier in the season of course Chris had already become the 8th player to score a league goal at three different levels for us after Jimmy Fletcher, Alick Jeffrey, Greg Blundell, Paul Green, Mark Albrighton, Steve Foster and a certain Ron Walker, which brings us neatly back to more or less where this article started. Caveat - no figures quoted in this article are official. I use many sources including club handbooks, Rothmans/ Sky annuals, and best of all the official Rovers history by Bluff & Watson. For definitive data the reader is referred to Tony Bluff and/or Barry Watson.

Quiz Answer: Tommy Tynan with 253 league goals, a measly 1 of which came for Rovers, and Ernie Moss with 245 league goals including 15 for Rovers. BW

popularSTAND // ISSUE 62 // JAN & FEB 2013

TALES OF THE ORIENT Can you support two teams? Kerrang! magazine Editor James McMahon explains how he has become a Rovers supporter and a proud season ticket holder... at Leyton Orient Being one of those football fans who agrees with 85% of what David Conn says, subscribes to When Saturday Comes (although even I wish they’d shut up about the third division in Greenland once in a while) and says things to girlfriends like, “football isn’t really a game you know, it’s a canvas for society to paint stories upon” (I don’t currently have a girlfriend), it may not surprise you to know I don’t particularly subscribe to traditional rituals of football tribalism. I remember standing at Belle Vue once in the early nineties, bellowing “scum” at the pig pen during a Rovers v Scunthorpe game, then thinking “hang on a second, my Tae Kwon Do instructor comes from Scunthorpe. They’re a really nice person”. I was thirteen years old.

in fact, who I particularly want to win. I have become the person you hate Rovers faithful. No, not a Rotherham fan. But a two club man. A Rovers supporter… who owns a Leyton Orient season ticket.

Now I’m thirty-two. “If football fans supported the sport as much as their team,” I’m fond of saying on Twitter, normally whilst being infuriated by some Sky Sports programming, “then football would be in a healthier place” . But really, I believe this. I groundhop frequently. I will think nothing of attending live games as a neutral, just for the love of the sport. My whole ID as a football fan is based upon this principle. Which has led me to a place where I don’t know who to cheer for on Saturday, or,

Okay, that’s not strictly true. Well, the bit about having a season ticket is, but there’s no division of love in my heart. I have one football related tattoo, and that’s of a stern looking viking, not a wyvern (for those not particularly versed in mythology, it’s like a duck crossed with a dragon). I also left my Orient season ticket at home earlier this season when the Rovers came to town and paid to sit with the Rovers fans in Brisbane Road’s rickety old east stand (then raised the issue of the east stands redevelopment at the Leyton Orient AGM a few months later – it’s complicated, all this). I am Rovers til I die. I was long before John Ryan stitched the slogan in any bit of tat the club shop can sell and I will be until, well… you get the point. But I am a little bit Orient too. I was twenty-five when I moved to London, via a short stay in the north-east (where my football intake alternated between trips home to see the Rovers and the category C games in which

popularSTAND // ISSUE 62 // JAN & FEB 2013

Sunderland would host – I saw a lot of Bolton I remember) and, while I would instantly reply “Doncaster Rovers” whenever someone asked me what club I supported, I did feel like a bit of a fraud when I consequently told them I’d only been to seven games that season. And so my thinking led me down a troubled road. “I’m never going to live in Doncaster again,” I pondered (no snobbery, but I’m a music journalist and unless the Cantley scene flies, I’m not sure I can make a crust down there). “Is that me done with the community I crave from football?” And so I looked around for a London club I could pop along to, “just to watch a game, for a laugh like”. I thought about it properly mind, taking into account past rivalries with theRovers and how likely we and they were to meet. It even took me a couple ofyears before I actually made sense of it in my head. Brentford? Too far from where I dwelled. Dagenham? Well, I went there once and saw someone hit another person over the head with a sausage baguette, I’ll give that a miss. Millwall? I admit it, I was a bit frightened (I hadn’t yet read Family , by Michael Calvin, the best book I’ve ever read about football). Okay, so the chances of Orient and Rovers – two clubs cut roughly from the same metaphysical cloth - meeting each other again should, in hindsight, have been pretty obvious to me. But O’Driscoll was manager, Rovers were in The Championship and I’d got a little bit carried away with all that “Barcelona of South Yorkshire stuff” at the time.

Not only that, but Orient’s team of 07/08 contained another man who had crossed the divide a year or so before me; Sean Thornton, he of bleached hair and brewery breath. Watching Sean piss around doing nothing at all for 89 minutes, then nonchalantly toe peg the ball into the top corner with just seconds to go, felt comfortingly familiar. Sure, I couldn’t quite understand where Michael McIndoe was (perhaps the first and last time I will share sympathies with the Financial Services Authority) but it eased the transition for sure. Not that I cared yet. The plan wasn’t to care. Rovers til I die and all that. Then Southampton came to E10, conspired with the referee to steal a draw and I found myself out of my seat, emotional and fraught. It’s at these moments your heart makes the decision for you. I’ve been going to the Orient for almost five years now. I’ve been going to the Rovers for almost twenty more. There’s no parity, no threat to where my allegiances lie. Yet as a Leyton resident, I’m proud to watch my local club most Saturdays. Proud to contribute something to the community in which I live. Proud of what a great football club they are. On Saturday I’ll probably go to the cinema or something, turn my phone off and go for a walk. Or stick my fingers in my ears and go sit in a well. I hope football is the winner, as the old cliché goes. But while I love Rovers and I like Orient, I’ll be forever be grateful to for the latter coming into my life. Yes, I am confused. But I am happy(ish).

JM popularSTAND // ISSUE 62 // JAN & FEB 2013

SEASONS IN RETROSPECT It’s time for part three of Ray Jest’s look back at 1973-74. As we rejoin Maurice Setters’ side Rovers are struggling in the League, but have an upcoming Cup game which could prove important. Before Rovers hosted Tranmere in the FA Cup there was a little matter of a League game at Crewe Alexandra. At half time at Gresty Road, with the score a respectable 0-0, it looked as if Rovers might get away with at least a point. But in the second half Doncaster pressed the self destruct button and collapsed. Two own goals from Wignall and Brooke, along with a 47th minute penalty were just part of the reason that Rovers travelled back to South Yorkshire on the wrong end of a 4-0 hiding. 2,444 faithful fans turned up the following week to watch the 2nd round Cup tie with Tranmere Rovers and most left well satisfied with a 3-0 victory. Goals from Kitchen on 13 minutes, and Woods after 17 minutes put Rovers in control and a goal from O’Callaghan five minutes from time sealed the victory. The third round draw with all the First Division clubs now in the hat was eagerly awaited and Rovers and their fans were not to be disappointed. The club were drawn away to face the mighty Liverpool in a repeat of the 1969 tie which Liverpool had won 2-0. It was back to the League now though for Rovers and many could be forgiven if they thought that the Liverpool game was on the minds

of many of the players as just one point was earned from the next four games. A 2-1 defeat to Gillingham at Belle Vue with Kitchen scoring on the stroke of half time to pull Rovers back into the game was followed by successive away defeats. In a local derby at Scunthorpe’s Old Showground Doncaster were beaten by 2-1 even though Kitchen gave them a 4th minute lead. And then, at Plainmoor the home of Torquay United they capitulated by 3-0. The only bright spot was a game against Bradford City at Belle Vue where Rovers took a point in a 2-2 draw. Goals from Murray and Elwiss securing the point although it should really have been two as Murray missed a second half penalty. The run of results meant that Rovers were rock bottom of the Football League, with 91 places separating them from their next opponents Liverpool in the FA Cup 3rd round. Newspapers of course make headlines from the slightest things, and the fact that Kevin Keegan was a “Donny” lad did not miss their radar. There were interviews and features aplenty, from the time he stood on the terraces at Belle Vue and watched Rovers, to the fact that he was “overlooked” by Rovers and had to start his career at Scunthorpe.

popularSTAND // ISSUE 62 // JAN & FEB 2013

Keegan’s first hero in football at the age of ten had been Willie Nimmo a Rovers stalwart between the posts. Then later at the age of twelve the great man Alick Jeffrey had taken centre stage in Keegan’s eyes. The Liverpool player ’s one regret in life was that he had never played on the Belle Vue pitch, and his interview with the papers was done at Belle Vue with barbed wire along the top of the walls surrounding the ground. A picture of Keegan outside Bell Vue was titled “Kevin Keegan and his favourite old haunt “Donny”. Keegan’s was not the only interview however, although a slightly lesser known player also got his 15 minutes of fame. That player was Steve Wignall, Liverpool born and bred. A centre back who as a youth player had been on Liverpool’s books, whose dad was a life time Liverpool fan and whose “digs” in Doncaster were opposite the house in Waverley Avenue where Keegan and his family once lived. It would be Wignall’s job to mark Keegan in the match. At 3 o’clock when the game kicked off there was no indication of what a great game it would be, in fact when Liverpool scored after four minutes Rovers fans could have been forgiven for thinking the worst. It was inevitably that man Keegan who got the goal from a cross by Ian Callaghan, a great header to beat Kim Book.

But two minutes later Peter Kitchen stabbed a weak shot towards Liverpool’s goal and inexplicably it seemed that Ray Clemence let the ball slide under his body for Rovers equaliser. The game was only six minutes old and the score was already 1-1. From then on the game ebbed and flowed, both teams playing good passing football and Rovers belying their league position. Then in the 19th minute came something that silenced the Anfield crowd, but not the Rovers following. Brendan O’Callaghan gave Rovers the lead with a superb goal, and suddenly dreams began to come true and Rovers went at their illustrious opponents ready for the kill. Kitchen left in the clear scooped his shot over the bar. Half time arrived with the score at 2-1 to the Rovers and how many fans wished they could be a fly on the wall of the Liverpool dressing room. Rovers had matched them pass for pass in a fantastic first half. It was going to take a goal of great quality to get Liverpool back into this game and it was that man Keegan again, from a Callaghan cross again, that scored another great header to bring it back to 2-2.

From here you would expect that the First Division side would run out easy winners but, it was not to be. Those fans who where there will never forget the dying minutes as Kitchen controlled the ball lobbed over Clemence and Instead the Rovers rolled up their hit the bar only for Alex Lindsay purple shirt sleeves and gave to clear the bouncing ball of the Liverpool the fright of their lives. line. Rovers travelled home to Before Liverpool had scored Mike South Yorkshire with the whole Elwiss had a great chance to put of the football world singing their Rovers one up and fluffed his shot. praises. popularSTAND // ISSUE 62 // JAN & FEB 2013 33

SEEASONS IN RETROSPECT // CONTINUED The replay at Belle Vue the following Tuesday kicked off in the afternoon due to the Miners strike at the Electricity cuts. It is an old adage in football that against the top teams you get one chance, and Rovers had had theirs on the Saturday. Although Rovers tried, they fought and chased every ball, but in the end class told. Goals from Heighway after 15 minutes and Cormack after 61 minutes won the game for Liverpool. But it was not for want of trying that Rovers were defeated, their efforts in front of 22,499 fans were to be commended and even as Liverpool were 2-0 up Rovers seemed to redouble their efforts. They ran themselves into the ground for the cause but the luck was not with them, even when Elwiss thought he had gained some reward for Rovers efforts by stabbing the ball into the net, his joy was curtailed by the linesman’s flag for offside. Bill Shankly the Liverpool manager said “Now we can go on and win the cup. We had this kind of experience against Stockport in 1965 and went on to beat Leeds at Wembley.” Still, Kevin Keegan got his wish “to play on the hallowed turf of Belle Vue”.

Will Rovers recover from FA Cup heartache? Find out in Issue 63 Pictured: Top Right Brendan O’Callaghan strikes for Rovers. Right: Kevin Keegan is tackled.

RJ popularSTAND // ISSUE 62 // JAN & FEB 2013