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Portdean

From EverybodyWiki Bios & Wiki

Portdean
         
Full namePortdean City
Founded?
GroundDean Park, ? England
LeagueFirst Division


Portdean are a fictional football team that appeared in the Bristish comic Roy of the Rovers. The club was the longest running of Melchester Rovers' opponents.

Portdean first appeared in 1956/57 season in Tiger. The club was also known as 'Dean.

History

1900s

In 1904 Portdean City beat Melchester Rovers in the FA Cup semifinal in extra time and made it to the final (must have won it).

1950s

Portdean finished champions in 1956 and third in the 56/57 season, one place above Rovers, before bettering that position by one, as runners up in 1959/60.

Portdean kit in 1956-57

1970s

Up to the mid-70s Portdean wore striking yellow and blue shirts, before transforming their look to the powerful white and blue combination that football fans now recognise.

Permanent challengers at the top of Division 1, 'Dean would secure their first title in 1969/70. Legendary defender Duncan McKay was the star, but his sale to Rovers early in the 1975/76 significantly weakened side and the 70s would be a quiet decade, with a peak performance in 1976/77 of second behind the all powerful Melchester side.

Portdean in 1978.

1980s

Things would change dramatically in the early 80s. Another second place behind Melchester in 1979/80 led to a change of luck. Under the passionate captaincy of Richie Gunn, Portdean established their greatest ever side. The one-time Melchester Rovers target Terry Martin and Paul Rawson in midfield, with England international striker Danny Farrel banging in the goals up front made Portdean a leading squad.

Portdean finally got their hands on another League Championship in 1981-82 in the Terrible Twins story. That 1981/82 season went right to the wire, Portdean battling with UEFA Cup holders Kingsbay. The dynamic duo of Sammy Williams and Johnny Baron provided the vital goals. Williams could be a devastating player, but suffered with indiscipline. On his day he was one of the most dangerous strikers in the country, but it wasn't just his shooting that could cause damage, his elbows and rough style often rubbed defenders up the wrong way. 'Dean eventually secured first place thanks to a final day victory over Kingsbay and the title heading to Dean Park.

To boost their European Cup challenge, top West German forward Rudi Gruber was signed and Portdean now possessed Europe's most deadly finisher. Gruber was West Germany's topscorer in the 1982 World Cup. However it was a big money gamble that ultimately failed.

Bruce "Pancho" Miller the dynamic Scot helped Portdean win anotehr title in 1984 under manager Archie Brown. Portdean's success didn't go unnoticed; Gruber soon returned home and Pancho Miller left for Serie A. Roy Race passed on the chance to sign Paul Rawson, who joined German giants Stroberg. The championship winning side was dismantled and title challenges became a thing of the past.

In 1988 Richie Gunn was named manager, the club rebranding in white and green stripes with a focus on developing their own young talent. Winger Ryan Cook was a regular for England, Dave Rogers a tidy finisher and captain Ted Rosier, a tough and uncompromising defender. Gunn had built solid foundations and if the youth system could produce one or two gems Portdean would be in a strong position to again challenge for the title.

And what a gem they did find; Richie's own son, Gary, a supremely talented yet volatile forward. However Portdean would not benefit from Gary Gunn's talent. After a pre-season tournament in Greece, where Richie had set up an academy, Roy Race made his move, poaching (although with his father's blessing) the final piece in Richie Gunn's title winning jigsaw.

1990s

By 1991/92 Richie Gunn had reestablished Portdean as one of the top teams in England. Having returned to their lucky white and blue colours, 'Dean finished third, pushing a Melchester Rovers side featuring Gary Gunn and Tynecaster United all the way. Portdean were back! The England international forward pairing of Brian Venner and Mike Watson tucked away chances created by Welsh midfielder Ivor Hughes.

In the '90s trophies didn't come, but Portdean continued to battle away with the best of the Premier League. New foreign star Ricaro helping his team push Tynecaster all the way in 2000/01.

Honours

Note that all records are fictional, as of the 2000/01 season. Info may be incomplete.

League

  • First Division: '
    • Winners: 1955-56, 1969-70, 1981-82 (from Terrible Twins story), 1983-84
    • Runners-up: 1959-60, 1976/77, 1979/80
    • Third: 1956/57

Cups

Colours and kits

Colours were White shirts, blue shorts.

Portdean City kits 1956-1962.

Rivalries

Stadium

Seasons

Notable players

Notable managers

Comments (by Storky)

  • The green/white colours of the late 80s appear to be a confusion between Burndean and Portdean.

Sources

External links

References

Notes


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