Granton United
 | |
| Full name | Granton United |
|---|---|
| Founded | ? |
| Ground | ? , England |
| League | First Division |
Granton United are a fictional football team that appeared in the Bristish comic Roy of the Rovers and It's Goals that Count comic strip by DC Thomson.
Granton United were one of the strongest teams in the country from the mid-50s to late 60s. Legendary England inside-left Nick Smith and his pal, left-half Arnold Tabbs played for United.
History
1950s
Granton United in 1957-58.
Desperate for silverware, the wealthy new directors spent £500,000 to manufacture a team of internationals and the plan worked as United romped to a first league title in 1956/57. But the team needed strengthening further as they entered the World League, a competition made up of the best teams from Europe and South America.
Famous England international twosome Nick Smith and Arnold Tabbs who had joined halfway through the Championship season, were joined by a mystery man JP Sedley. The three were top class additions to an already top side and Granton would romp to the World League title losing just once. Thus qualifying for the International Cup stage.
England striker Don Dorling was replaced with up and coming centre Chuck Higgins, with young Hughie Rolt taking over from Wales international Cyril Ellery at inside right. Reggie Sopwith was another youngster brought in, the agile goalie keeping his place after deputising for England keeper Ted Mitford. The influx of youthful energy helped Granton during an arduous campaign, beating Delberg Spartic in the final to win the Double!
Granton United 57-58 stats
The mystery of right-half JP Sedley's identity was finally solved. The great midfielder, suffering from amnesia, believes he is Jack Dellard, former England centre forward.
Also a friendly against Leslie Tomson legendary Darbury Rangers is recorded in the season (1-1).
1970s
1980s
Honours
Note that all records are fictional, as of the 2000/01 season. Info may be incomplete.
League
- First Division: 1956-57
Cups
- FA Cup:
- Runners up:
International
- World League: 1957-58
- International Cup: 1957-58
Colours and kits
A once great club, Stockbridge fell on hard times dropping to the Fourth Division. But with Terry Marks at centre half Town avoided dropping out of the league gaining promotion the next season.
Rivalries
The Smith and Son comic strip was published in ROTR in 1976-78 (lasted from 25/09/76 to 03/06/78 Returned 31/03/84 to 07/07/84 (reprint)), featuring Granton Town.[1]
Stadium
Notable players
Nick Smith- Arnold Tabbs
- Jack Dellard (aka JP Sedley) (captain)
- Don Dorling
- Chuck Higgins
- Hughie Rolt
Cyril Ellery- Reggie Sopwith
- Ted Mitford
Wilf Hamilton
Breakdown
Players:
- Ted Mitford GK 1 ENG international
- Jack West RB 2 ENG international
- Charles Morgan LB 3 WAL international
- JP Sedley RH 4 Captain
- Wilf Hamilton CH 5 SCO international
- Arnold Tabbs LH 6 ENG International
- Tommy Dale RW 7 IRL international
- Cyril Ellery IR 8 WAL international
- Don Dorling CF 9 ENG international
- Nick Smith IL 10 ENG International
- Percy Pritchard LW 11 ENG international
- Stan Hopton LW 11 Reserve
- Bert Beaumont LH 6 Reserve
- Battleaxe Wallace RB 2 Reserve
- Hughie Rolt IR 8
- Reggie Sopwith GK 1
- Chuck Higgins CF 9 signed on before International Cup starts
- Mick Price RW 7 3rd team
- Terry Young IR 8 3rd team
- Dickie Trantor CF 9 Reserve
- Tom Mason RB 2 Reserve
- Harry Dean LB 3 Reserve
- Edgar Johnson GK 1 Reserve
- Chip Baker GK 1 17yo
- Smoker Edmunds RH 4 Reserve
- Chip Baker GK 1 ENG international
- George Coker Manager
- Harry Hammond Trainer
Notable managers
- George Coker (Former Scotland international)
- Roy Race
Comments by Storky
- Granton United are the only club from the ROTR universe that Nick Smith and Arnold Tabbs played for. They aren't mentioned in the ROTR comics at all, only in annuals.
