Blackton Rovers
| Full name | Blackton Rovers |
|---|---|
| Founded | ? |
| Ground | ?, Blackton, Yorkshire, England |
| League | First Division |
Blackton Rovers are a fictional football team appeared in various comic publications of DC Thompson such as Victor and Hornet.
History
The glorious 60s with Bernard Briggs
Blackton Rovers were located in Yorkshire. They became one of best teams of the 1960s, as they won the FA Cup, First Division (63/64) and European Cup (64/65), mainly thanks to the influence of star amateur goalkeeper Bernard Briggs. who was refusing to be paid for playing football.[1] Before his arrival the Rovers were dubbed as the worst team in First Divsision of England. Known as the "No Goal Goalie" part time scrap dealer Briggs was famous for never conceding a legitimate goal. A strange loner, Briggs's talent as a sportsman was undoubted and unrivalled. Briggs had two spells at the club, firstly leading them to the Cup in 1963, before handpicking Dave Dobbs as his replacement.
Briggs returned for the European Cup in 64/65, taking his trade all round the continent. French side Monte Carlo were their firt opponent in their European adventure in the first round. After knocking out mighty Madrid Royals in the semifinals, on 15 May 1965 Rovers beat Benbella in the European Cup final by 2-0 and became champinos of Europe for first time in their history (Hornet, issue 88) - three years before a real English club did it.[2]
Briggs would depart a champion and the fortunes of Blackton would decline dramatically.
Relegation in 1991
Back in the big time and after two average seasons, Blackton were stranded at the bottom staring at relegation, when former player turned "Matchwinner for Hire" Jon Stark offered his services in 90/91. The former England international did what he did best scoring twice in his first game for a 2-0 win. Stark didn't neglect his mercenary status jetting to France before returning to set up the winning goal as Blackton gave themselves every chance of avoiding the drop. However, fog meant Stark was late for the vital next home match of the season. Arriving by helicopter and subbed on he set up the equaliser before netting the winner. Blackton had won three in a row.
But Stark's magic didn't last and defeat followed, it was down to the final match of the season. Of course Stark was not to be denied netting a brilliant hat-trick to save the day for his home town club and the club that gave him his chance in football.
Honours
Note that all records are fictional, as of the 1990/91 season. Info may be incomplete.
League
- First Division: '
- 1963-64
- Fourth Division: '
- 1979-80
- Third Division: '
- 1980-81
Cups
- FA Cup:
- 1963
- League Cup:
European
- European Cup:
- 1964-65
Colours and kits
Rivalries
Stadium
Notable players
- Jon Stark - Stark began his career at Blackton before becoming a football mercenary, travelling the globe playing important matches for a whole manner of clubs. Stark was an England international, but only appeared around his other commitments. As a veteran Stark returned to save his first club from relegation in 90/91.
- Bernard Briggs - The "No Goal Goalie" had two spells at the club winning the FA Cup and European Cup. He never conceded a legitimate goal for Blackton.
- Basil Widney - The school teacher inside left played as an amateur winning the FA Cup. A classy player was also an amateur England international.
- Lol Nevis - England international goalkeeper of the 40s.
By position
- Goalkeepers - Bernard Briggs (62/63), Dave Carrrick (68/69), Dillon (68/69), Dave Dobbs (64/65), Lanky Lettis (69/70), Lol Nevis (43/44), Monkey Slack (69/70)
- Full-back - Jerrolds (69/70)
- Right-back- Charlie Greer (no2 - 68/69), Maurice Stenton (no2 - 69/70), Walters (no2 - 68/69)
- Right-half - Donkin (no4 - 68/69)
- Left-half - Graham Machell (no6 - 69/70), Modley (no6 - 68/69)
- Left-back - Cliff Curtis (no3 - 62/63), Andy Jones (no3 - 90/91), Young (no3 - 68/69)
- Centre-half - Morgan Byers (no5 - 69/70), Fred Cresser (no5 - 62/63), Ginger Ross (no5 - 64/65), Ginger Russt (no5 - 43/44), Shaw (no5 - 68/69), Guthrie Woods (captain, no5 - 68/69)
- Right-wing - Betts (no7 - 68/69), Holden (no7 - 90/91), Pongo Tate (no7 - 63/64)
- Left-wing - Jim Jackson (no11 - 69/70), Trevor Jones (no11 - 69/70), Smaile (no11 - 68/69), Brian Johnson (no11 - 90/91)
- Inside-right - Paxton (no8 - 69/70), Quigley (no8 - 68/69)
- Inside-left - Burt (no10 - 68/69), Grey (no10 - 69/70), Cyril "Bud" Lawless (no10 - 69/70), Basil Widney (62/63)
- Centre-forward - Ginger Green (no9 - 69/70), Angus McKinlay (no9 - 69/70), Alf Rimmer (no9 - 63/64), Jon Stark (no9 - 90/91), Kevin Price (no9 - 90/91), Vickary (no9 - 68/69)
- Unknown position - Tom Evans (captain 65/66), McLean (68/69)
Most known players were:
Jon Stark- Bernard Briggs
Trevor Jones- Pongo Tate
- Lol Nevis
