ROVERS 2000

By the time that the MoTD magazine came to an end in 2001, the Rovers were coming to the end of their season. They were chasing Champions League qualification, and were needing the revenue from that competition so that Diana and Roy could complete their takeover of the Rovers from the Vinter Brothers. Not a lot was known about the Rovers of 2000, as the script did not allow for much detail to be given about the players. We take a look at the squad of Melchester Rovers as they entered the new millenium.

JEFF COOPER
Goalkeeper Age:27
One of Roy's first signings when he returned to the club from AC Monza in Italy. Spotted when he played a blinder for Gatesfield against the Rovers, who were desperate for a win that day, but Jeff defied them with save after save. Gatesfield were happy to let him go, and he has been a Rovers stalwart ever since. Big and brave, Roy has likened him to all time great Charlie Carter.

PETER MARSHALL
Goalkeeper Age:20
The number 2 at the club. A giant between the sticks standing at an impressive 6ft 6ins - with hands like shovels. Has plenty of agility. If he progresses as expected he will be pushing Jeff Cooper for his place before too long. Made his debut for the club in the Champions League against Vrayonne Rapide in 2000-01..

DINO MARCELLO
Defender Age:24
Dino arrived at Melchester from AC Monza, Roy's former club. He arrived at Melchester in 1999. Roy had given Marcello his debut for Monza, so Roy knew he was a classy performer and what he was getting. His tackling and distribution are excellent, certainly better than his english. Prone to some bemusing comments, when Rovers ended a recent poor run, he said "the light at the end of the tunnel is switched on again"

STEVE WOOTTEN
Defender Age:33
The only player left on the books from Roy's playing days. This guy just seems to keep going and going. Very much part of the furniture, having originally come through the youth ranks. Is now the club captain and has modified his game from being a marauding full back to astute centre back. Does have a temper and an attitude, but that is what makes him such a great leader of the team.

ANDY KERRIGAN
Defender Age:34
Andy was signed from Carford City in 1998. Rovers were languishing in the Championship, and being a very young side were desperate for someone who could add much needed experience and stability at the back. Roy again knew what he was getting when he signed Andy, having played against him in his playing days, albeit Andy had mre hair back then.

JAMIE NASH
Defender Age:20
All the attributes of a defender and all the skills of a midfielder, a talented mixture. Brought up from the youth team due to injuries and has never looked back. Very much a case of if your good enough your old enough. Has learnt from the old heads of Steve and Andy and has bailed out the expeienced heads on occasions with his lightning pace.

ANTON GRONVOLD
Wing Back Age:22
Roy saw Anton playing for the Nrway u-21's and started negotiations right after the game. Great first touch and technique and as fit as the proverbial butchers dog, so the demanding role of wing back is no problem to him. Has been found out on occasion defensivelybut he continues t work hard on his game to improve.

RITCHIE LAWRENCE
Wing Back Age:24
Ritchie is another who has come through the ranks at the club. A very athletic, left sided player, he is fast improving. Has all the defensive qualities required and can run all day. With qualities like that hes an ideal wing back. Easy going lad who seems to get on with everyone in the team.

DAVID GATES
Defender Age:21
One of Rover's most recent signing, David joined the club from Stockley Town of League One. Good in the air, and an excellent tackler he is very sound defensively, Work required on his distribution and his cavalier style, so that he joins the attack effectively and at the correct times.

PER ENQVIST
Midfield Age:23
Recommended to Roy by former Rovers star Olaf 'Olly' Olsen, who is now asst manager to the Danish national team. Per was signed on a free transfer at the start of the season. Clever on the ball, but not the hardest worker off it. If this apect can be improved upon then he might develop into a useful squad member.

KEITH DURHAM
Midfield Age:26
Mister Reliability. A midfield enforcer who gives the team a real bite. Likes a tackle, but also can use the ball well once he has it. Transferred in from Railford Town in League Two, but has really developed and improved quickly to play at the higher level.

PAUL EVANS
Midfield Age:24
An unsung, uncomplicated, workmanlike player who just gets on with the task at hand.Chips in with the odd goal or two, but could score more if he was to put his mind to it. However the graft he does for the team is what makes him stand out from the crowd..

DECLAN MCCAFFREE
Midfield Age:17
Raw and very young, but what an incerdible talent. Two footed, with pace to burn, and technically gifted beyond belief.Still has an incredible amount to learn about the game, but definately 'one for the future'. Found by former Rovers star and manager Blackie Gray, who recommended that Rovers secure his signature.

DION TEMPLETON
Forward Age:27
A player who Rovers took a gamble on when they signed him from non-league football. At the time he looked awkward and his technique required a lot of work, but Rovers spotted his hunger and desire, not only to win but to score goals. He has worked tirelessly to improve and is now reaping the rewards.

ROBBIE BISHOP
Forward Age:19
A quick silver jack in the box style forward who scored a hatful of goals in the reserves last season. Has yet to make his first team debut, but is he progresses as he has been over the last few months, then it can only be a matter of time before he breaks through.

ROY RACE JR
Forward Age:22
What can be said about this guy that has not already been said? Signed back from arch rivals Meldboro, and has helped Rovers get back to their best by creating good partnerships with Templeton and McCaffree. More stories to be written about him I am sure, but for now he is scoring and playing well.

BEN ARGENT
Forward Age:18
Had a couple of run outs with the first team, and scored, but did little to endear himself to Roy or Meldboro fans, when he decided to flash a tshirt at the Meldboro fans, causing an uproar in the process. Sold to Johnny Dexter's Castlemere quickly after.
NOW LEFT THE CLUB

GARY BRACKEN
Midfield Age:22
Brought through the youth ranks, and was the main creative force in the Rovers midfield. Excellent on the ball, but needs to impose himself on games more. Unfortunately had to be sold to raise money for the club to stay afloat financially.
NOW LEFT THE CLUB

CRAIG FOSTER
Forward Age:23
Kid has it all, pace to burn, quick thinking and technically gifted. Unfortunately sold to Meldboro as part of the deal that brought back Roy Race Jr to the club.
NOW LEFT THE CLUB

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