1972-73 season enjoy

[bradford exile]

SEASON 1972-73

If Rovers fans thought season 1971/72 had been a bad season then they were in for a rude awakening, season 1972/73 rarely saw Rovers out of the bottom 6 in the division and it was not to be a season for the faint hearted.

But let’s start during the close season and give a little insight as to what was happening during that time. Firstly there were quite a few staff changes.

Jackie Bestall after all his solid work for the Rovers was let go.
 
Jackie joined Rovers after playing for Rotherham United & Grimsby Town. He was capped for England against Ireland when he was 35 years old. He became assistant manager at the Rovers in 1944 and in 1946 he took the managers post. In 1950 he left to take up the manager’s seat at Blackburn Rovers where he remained until 1955. In season 1955-56 Jackie returned to Rovers as Chief Scout and was caretaker manager on many occasions over the years, notably after the sacking of Lawrie McMenemy.

Also released was trainer Frank Marshall. Frank had been with the club for 14 years. Frank joined Rovers as a player and ended his playing career at the club; he had stayed on the training staff since that time.

Amongst the players to be released were Kevin Bird and Colin Clish along with several of the youth players. Clish had been released on a free transfer 12 months previously only to be re-signed just two weeks later. This time there was to be no going back.

There was much speculation especially in the local Doncaster Post as to new signings and Rovers were linked with several players. One report in particular stated that Setters had been quoted a £30,000 for a player Rovers had inquired about and who was unsettled at the club, his name, oh! Graeme Souness.

But the biggest news of the close season involved Alick Jeffrey who was rumored to be training at the Rovers with a view to another comeback. The rumors were fired even further when it was announced that Jeffrey had been granted a testimonial game. He would feature in an International XI team against a Manchester City team, and Bobby Charlton would play in the International XI.

8,000 fans turned out to watch the game which the International team won by 4-3. Charlton scored first for the International XI before Colin Bell, Ian Mellor and Rodney Marsh gave Manchester City a 3-1 lead. But Mike Elwiss and Charlton leveled the scores before Elwiss scored again to win the game for the International XI.

Unfortunately it was the last time Jeffrey would play at Belle vue in any kind of a competitive game and his and hundreds of fans dreams faded into insignificance.

Rovers appointed Malcolm Cook as the new trainer, and signed a young 21 year old full back called Brian Joy from Tranmere.

A statement from Mr. Setters read;
“I am hoping there will be some other new faces within the next few weeks, it is all part of making the club more efficient and more professional. The Directors have given me all I have asked for and all we want now is to attract the fans back. I want them to know that I control everything and only have to go to the board on matters of finance” He added: “The people who came last year were entertained. To a certain extent I understand the reason for low gates but I hope people will come along next season. Winning is important and if you can entertain and get some sort of system going you can do well. I believe we can do that”
Bold words from the Manager, but would it draw the crowds back, or give a winning team?

Rovers showed a loss in revenue of £8,968 for the previous season and but for the sale of Gilchrist to Southampton and Robertson to Northampton Town for a combined fee of £23,750 the losses would have been much greater. But the supporters club came to the rescue and handed Rovers a cheque for £14,750 which meant they actually showed a profit on the season of £5,782.

Rovers again played several pre-season friendlies. The two most attractive fixtures being against the F A Cup holders Leeds United, and the League Cup holders Stoke City.

First up were Stoke City. Rovers did themselves proud.

Although losing the game by 2-1 Rovers acquitted themselves well. After Stoke had gone into the lead Rovers took over the game and out passed and outshone their illustrious opponents for much of the game. Peter Kitchen scored an equaliser, although Gordon Banks the England goalkeeper was at fault for the goal. It was not until Rovers tired late on in the game that Stoke once again showed their supremacy and scored the winner. The “People” Sunday newspaper tipped Rovers as “Tip for the Top” this season in Division 4.

Rovers travelled to Bradford Park Avenue for their next fixture and came away with a 2-2 draw. Kitchen and Morrison the Rovers scorers.

Next up were the FA Cup holders, none other than Leeds United. Class of course showed as it should of a top class team. Names that rolled off the tongue were too strong for “Donny” and goals from Billy Bremner, (another name that would have much to do with Rovers fortunes in future years), Johnny Giles & Joe Jordan put paid to Rovers dreams of getting anything from the game.

Two more friendlies were to follow, firstly at Hatfield Main Rovers saw of the hosts with a 4-0 victory goals from Briggs (2), Rabjohn and Usher, but the most important game was at Goole Town where an under strength Rovers team were beaten 1-0. It was important because the name on everyone’s lips was Alick Jeffrey. He played alongside mainly youth team players the likes of Wignall, Impey, McLuckie, Morrison and Ketley. Graham Watson and Steve Briggs also featured but it was not a happy experience for Jeffrey. He didn't get the service he was used to in the old days, but Joe Slater in the Evening Post thought there still may be a chance.

A few days later as Rovers were having their team photo session for the new season, Alick was training around the pitch, Joe Slater said to him go on get in the picture, Alick shook his head and walked away, sadly it was not to be.

Two headlines stood out in the Evening Post, the first one read “Will this be Rovers year for Promotion” and went on to detail some of the reasons why it could happen. Peter Kitchen and Mike Elwiss being two of the main players. The Rovers it summarised had the talent and experience for it to happen. Only time would tell. Unfortunately for Rovers and their fans time would tell a much harsher truth.

The second headline was by Malcolm Cook Rovers Youth Team Coach; it read “Youth gets a chance here” and went on to explain how Rovers were working to get youngsters into the club. There were several examples of young players coming through into the first team, Peter Kitchen (19), Stan Brookes (19), Stephen Uzalec (18), Mike Elwiss (18) and Steve Wignall (18) had all appeared in the first team, while Stephen Reed (16) and Robert McLuckie (17) had appeared as substitutes. It seemed that things looked very healthy with the youngsters at the club.

The first game of the new season was away at Borough Park the home of Workington Town on August 12th. It was to be a replay of last season with Rovers going down by 2-0. It was the beginning of one of Rovers worst starts to a season for many years.
 
Rovers were drawn away to Hartlepool United in round one of the League Cup and had fared well until a hotly disputed penalty in the 80th minute gave Hartlepool victory. It had looked as if a replay at Belle Vue was a certainty up until that point.
 
The match official had declined to give his after match verdict and manager Mr. Setters said “Things like this are killing football. What a way to lose”.
Rover’s first home game of the new season was against Mansfield Town. The game was settled by one goal, scored by Mansfield in the 24th minute. The win put Mansfield on top of the table played 2 won 2, but it placed Rovers on the bottom of the table, played 2 lost 2. Already there were worries and grumbling amongst the fans.

An away trip to Cambridge United at the Abbey Stadium followed and Rovers were duly despatched 3-1. Rovers did however have their first goal of the season, scored by Graham Watson. Worst news was to follow, Mike Elwiss had missed both the Mansfield and Cambridge games because of knee ligaments problems and it now transpired that he could be out for some time. One half of Rovers attacking force was sat on the sidelines for the foreseeable future.

Rovers next match against the “old enemy” Barnsley saw no change in fortune as they were despatched from Oakwell following a 4-2 defeat. Barnsley had taken the lead in the 23rd minute but Kitchen had drawn rover’s level eight minutes later in a drab first half.

The second half was worthy of a local derby, end to end football. Barnsley struck again in the 52nd minute to lead 2-1 only for Irvine to level from the spot after Watson had been fouled in the area.

As the game raced to its conclusion it was Barnsley who had Rovers on the back foot and two goals in the last 15 minutes meant Rovers were pointless from their first four games.

Rovers’ next game was at home to Stockport County and any fan could be forgiven for forgetting the first 87 minutes. Following an unspectacular first half, Paul Hart the Stockport centre half had give them the lead after 62 minutes.

Three minutes to go and Brian Joy, brought on just 4 minutes earlier tried a shot from just outside the area and Paul Hart this time heads past his own keeper to level up the scores. Suddenly the crowd find their voices and urge Rovers forward.

With a minute to go Ian Branfoot made a run up the wing put over a cross from the right and Peter Kitchen gratefully nods home.

For the first time in a game this season Rovers are in front.

In injury time Rovers streamed forward looking for a third goal only to leave themselves threadbare at the back and Eddie Garbett for Stockport gathers the ball and steaks towards Rovers goal. With no cover Glen Johnson is left with no option but to race out of his goal to try and clear but Garbett spots his move and coolly lobs the oncoming keeper to find the empty net.

Rovers have their first point of the season but it could have been more.

A Friday night game at Priestfield Stadium the home of Gillingham followed and any hopes that rovers fans held of a turning point being reached were duly shattered.

Although all reports said that Rovers played well they still finished up on the end of a 3-0 defeat.

There was shock news for Rovers fans shortly after this game when the Doncaster post headlines read “Belle Vue Shock: Watson moves”. Graham Watson had been transferred to Cambridge United for £5000.

Rovers’ manager Mr. Setter said “I am very sorry to see him go. He is a better player than people realized. But the crowd didn’t really appreciate him”.

Watson had signed for Rovers on his 15th birthday and had been part of the famous five man, £100,000 deal between Rovers and Rotherham.

Watson had only been away 11 months before being resigned by Lawrie McMenemy for less than 5 figures. During his two spells at Rovers he had made 166 appearances and scored 36 Goals.

Rovers’ next game was a Friday night game at home to Southport who were riding high in second spot. It looked to be a game that was over before it began
 
Rovers though had different ideas and easily match their high riding opponents, so much so that a 0-0 half time score line flattered Southport.

The second half followed in the same vein, with Rovers pressing but once again unable to turn their territorial advantage into goals. But then on 63 minutes Irvine struck to give the home side the lead. Fifteen minutes later Elwiss broke clear and sewed up the game for Rovers.
2,055 fans left Belle Vue with high hopes to enjoy a good weekend.

After the win against Southport hopes were high that perhaps Rovers had now turned the corner and the fans travelling to Gresty Road home of Crewe Alexandra were not disappointed. A dour game was climaxed by a goal from Kitchen after 87 minutes and gave Rovers there first back to back wins if the season.

Rovers’ next match was away at Lincoln City at the Sincil Bank ground. Rovers ran out losers by 2-1 but Lincoln’s first goal was controversial to say the least.

Dixie McNeil of Lincoln barged Rovers goalkeeper Kim Book and the ball over the line in clear view of the referee. Mr. Setters said “We were the better football team, but we lost to a rugby team. I wouldn’t let my players go out and do a thing like that”

Rovers’ next three games were all at home and brought good rewards points wise.
 
Rovers entertained Hereford at Belle vue and fought out a 0-0 draw but should have done so much more. With Rovers’ having 75% of the play they should have come away with all the points.

The next game also at home had Bradford City as visitors and a hard end to end game was settled by an Ian Branfoot goal after 59 minutes.

It lifted Rovers to a highest league position of 21st this season.

Northampton Town were Rovers next opponents and a 3-0 victory lifted rovers to 17th in the league. A goal from Kitchen on 67minutes and two from Elwiss in a minute on 84 and 85 minutes sealed Rovers win.

A report in the “Green Un” by Mike Sinclair had the headline “Rovers’ hopes rest on young players” and listed Brian Joy, Stan Brookes, Peter Kitchen, Steve Uzelac, Steve Wignall and Mike Elwiss as the key players in the Rovers future.

After three home games on the trot Rovers now faced two away journeys the first being to Plainmoor the home of Torquay United which resulted in a 1-0 defeat Rovers first defeat in the last four games.

Rovers’ second away game was at London Road to play Peterborough United. United were now  themselves rock bottom of the division with the worst defensive record in the league and hopes were high that Rovers’ would take something from the game.                                                                                                                                                                                                                              
Unfortunately as sometimes happens it didn’t work out that way and Rovers fell to a second defeat by 3-1.
Rovers were placed 20th in the league.

A home game against Aldershot followed and once again the Rovers’ faithful had to wait until the 87th minute before Kitchen struck to ensure the full points. It was a win that moved Rovers up to 19th position.

Chester City were the next visitors to Belle Vue and went away with a point form a 0-0 draw.

An away game at Feethams followed the home of Darlington and with Rovers recent form suggesting they may get something from the game hopes were high.

Rovers did not disappoint except for the scoreline. Rovers were superior for most of the game and a 1-0 scoreline to Rovers clearly flattered Darlington.
 
But for all their superiority Rovers still had to wait until the 73 minute for Haselden to score what was the winning goal and lift Rovers to the dizzy heights of 15th.

Rovers’ next game away to Hereford United at Edgar Street resulted in a 3-2 defeat. John Haselden scored a hat trick in the game, but his second on 64 minutes was an own goal.

At home Rovers had started to look a good outfit and with Crewe Alexandra being the next visitors to Belle Vue hopes were high for more points. It didn’t as sometimes happen work out that way with Crewe walking away with the points after a 2-0 win.

Rovers could forget all about their league position for their next game. A home game against Bury in the first round of the F.A. Cup.

Rovers’ were 2-0 at half time and coasting to victory so Rabjohns goal after 63 minutes sealed the victory although Bury still had time to sneak a consolation on 70 minutes.
Ironically Rovers next league game was also at Belle Vue and also against Bury.

This time Rovers’ went one better and ran out winners by 4-1, goals from Irvine, Kitchen and a brace from Haselden settling the result.

Rovers’ travels next took them to Hartlepool and the Victoria Ground a match which resulted in them gaining a point from a 0-0 draw.

In the second round of the F.A.Cup Rovers’ were drawn away to Northern Premier League team Scarborough.

At half time Rovers led through a 27th minute Kitchen goal but were pegged back on 55 minutes by a goal from Appleton. In a frantic finale Rovers again grabbed the lead through Elwiss on 67 minutes and advanced through to round three.
 
In the league a home game followed against Colchester United with Rovers once again scoring through Elwiss in the 65th minute to ensure a victory and two precious points.

Rovers had been drawn away to Reading in the F.A.Cup 3rd round but first had to travel to Elm Park for a vital league game. A goal By Dick Habbin secured both points for Reading. Habbin would feature in Rovers history in future years, but as a Rovers Player.

At Belle Vue Rovers next entertained Lincoln City with the memory’s of the disputed goal still fresh on supporters minds.

Rovers took the lead on 49 minutes through Branfoot only for Lincoln to equalise 6 minutes later, and so it stayed to the finish.

Rovers’ next two games both finished in 0-0 draws. Away at Field Mill home to Mansfield Town and at home to Cambridge United who included Graham Watson in their lineup.

And so to the F.A.Cup third round. Rovers with injury problems had asked the F.A. to have the tie called off much to the dismay of Reading. But the F.A. agreed and the match was duly played on January the 17th.

Reading ran out 2-0 winners in a feisty match in which 5 players were booked, amongst them Irvine and Dixon for exchanging blows a crime that today would see both sent off.
An away trip to Edgley Park home of Stockport County followed and resulted in a 2-1 reverse.

Rovers had dropped back into the bottom four and needed a win to boost the supporters but a defeat at home to Gillingham by a 1-0 scoreline did little to raise hopes.
Thankfully Rovers next game once more at home saw them overcome Torquay United again by a scoreline of 1-0. It moved them once more out of the bottom four.

Rovers’ next five games saw a slight change in fortunes with 3 draws and a win helping to keep their league position in an upward state.

A 2-2 draw at Southport’s Haigh Avenue with Briggs scoring after being injured or in the reserves for most of the season and Joy scoring for Rovers in the 70th minute ensured a share of the spoils.

Against Workington at Belle Vue Rovers could only secure a 1-1 draw after being behind from the 27th minute. Ernie Hunt saved Rovers blushes with a 72nd minute equaliser.

Sealand Road was Rovers next destination for a game against Chester City which resulted in a 2-1 victory. Chester had taken the lead after 52 minutes only for Brookes and Briggs to ensure that the points came back to South Yorkshire.

At Layer Road Colchester United’s home Rovers conceded after just 99 seconds, but had equalised after 18 minutes through Briggs. Briggs had now scored 3 goals in four games since being recalled to the team.
 
Rovers’ third away fixture on the trot saw them visiting Northampton Town at the County Ground and come away victors by 2-0. Goals by Brookes and Haselden securing the win.

Rovers’ first defeat in seven saw them loose out to Newport County at Somerton Park by 1-0, a cruel blow as Newport only gained their win only in the 86th minute.


After four successive away games Rovers at last returned home but were held 1-1 by Peterborough United and once again had to come back from a goal down to rescue a point.

Another away trip this time to Aldershot at The Recreation Ground saw Rovers lose out narrowly in a 1-0 defeat.

The next two games were both at Belle Vue and gave the Rovers supporters much to be cheerful about. First on the programme were Exeter City and they were despatched home with their tails between their legs after a 5-1 beating.
 
Goals from Irvine, Brookes, Haselden and Elwiss (2) gave Rovers their biggest league win of the season.

This was followed shortly after by a game against Darlington, again Rovers ran out winners, this time by only 2-0 but it was enough to lift them into the dizzy heights of 14th in the league.

The euphoria didn’t last long however as Rovers travelled to Bury at Gigg Lane where they were given the same treatment they had dispensed to Exeter and came away on the wrong side of a 5-0 beating.

Hartlepool were Rovers next visitors to Belle Vue and thanks to goals from Haselden and Briggs they triumphed, but only after Hartlepool had taken a shock 20th minute lead.

After 41 games Rovers were in 14th position in the league.
A trip to St. James Park to play Exeter City ended with Rovers on the right side of a 1-0 scoreline and further enhanced the growing reputation of many of the young players who were now wearing the Rovers shirt.

Rovers’ next three games all resulted in defeats and not just merely defeats; Newport County visited Belle Vue and inflicted Rovers heaviest home defeat of the season by 5-1.

The short journey across to West Yorkshire and Valley Parade the home of Bradford City saw Rovers lose again but this time at least they scored three goals only for City to score four.

In the penultimate game of the season Rovers visitors were Reading who went away with a 2-0 victory.

It was fitting that the final game of the season was a local derby against the “old foes” Barnsley at Belle Vue and in a dull and drab game honours finished even.

The season had finished with Rovers in 17th position in the league. It was a position many had not thought possible throughout the season, but it seem to auger well for the future with the new youngsters breaking into the first team.

But with the news that Rovers had disbanded the junior team which had seen the likes of Uzelac, Brookes, Gray, McLuckie, Reed and Kitchen come through their ranks the season finished on a very low note.

Also to go was Malcolm Cook the coach who had been brought to the club only two years ago to look after the junior team.
Maurice Setters said “This is a bitter blow to me…a disaster”

[BobG]

Gosh! Thanks Ray. I enjoyed reading that. Where do you get this stuff from?

Damn odd that it was this very season that in which report mentions two incidents that I've referred to very recently on this forum. Dixie MacNeils' shove on Kim Book at Sincil Bank for the ref to give Lincoln a goal - I remember it like yesterday - and Archie Irvine's absolute screamer at home against Exeter as we won 5-1. Trouble with Archie was that he thought he'd perfected the art. He tried to do it again for weeks and weeks after. Not one of 'em went anywhere near the goal...

I'd forgoteen about Rob McLuckie. Where did he end up? I have a vague memory that he wasn't bad but for some reason was pushed out of BV before very long.

I remember that 5-1 defeat at home to Newport county too. I wasns't there at the match. Kenny Jenkinson and I had pushed off to hitch hike round Northern France. Our only source of Rovers news, and scores, was by buying copies of 2, 3 and 4 days late national papers where we could find, eventually and ramdomly, the score and nowt else. Couldn't even phone home from a call box never mind use a mobile. They were still 20 years away and the internet was more. We eventually saw that Newport result in a 3 days late copy of the Guardian we'd just bought and then read sitting under the bridge across the Seine in Rouen. Couldn't bloody believe it. At home? For FFS! How did that happen????

Don't ever try to hitch hike out of le Havre by the way. It's a bloody long and steep road out and no bugger seemed to want to offer 2 long haired yoofs a lift.... We ended up knocking on some poor old lady's door to ask if we would have a glass of water. We were melting...

Cheers

BobG

[ch-ch rover]

Kenny Jenkinson thats a name i havnot heard in a long time,we were team mates in Doncaster youth league fancy going to France and not playing football. If your still in touch tell him Brian Fenwick says gday from Christchurch NZ

[BobG]

Hi Brian

Unfortunately, I'm not in touch with him. Wish I were. Last I heard he was teaching in the far West country somewhere. Languages, obviously. He was a fair footy player wasn't he? Much better than me. I only ever managed to get as far as Tech B.

Cheers

BobG

[ch-ch rover]

Hi  Bob thanks for reply,we were tech imps he was a good footballer as was most of the team we were managed by his dad do not remember playing tech b though

[BobG]

I guess we were the poor relations. As I remember it, there was Tech A, Tech B, Tech Villa and Tech Imps.

Did you come across John Heeley at all? He was the same age and quite a fair player too. He was at Danum.

Cheers again

Bob

[ch-ch rover]

Sorry no to said player this could be embarrasing trying to remember players from 70s mostly from danum,Paul Davis Alan Townsend Nobby Jones Mick Ellwis Dek Coward? Ron Lyle? Pete Valence

[Alonzo Drake]

Thanks so much Bradford Exile for reviving my youth!

I was Rovers Mad then, and aged 22/23. Rovers were everything, and Belle Vue was hallowed ground.

I well recall the long, long drive in a Triumph Herald for that first game of the season at Workington! What wonderful scenery. We went to Cambridge, and enjoyed a fishing trip to St Neots in the morning. The season's highlight was the amazing cup tie at Scarborough -- over 7,000 crammed into Borough Park. We had a great lunch time pub crawl before the game, and then went crazy when Elwiss poked in the winner! A great day ended when we stopped at the Cat's Whiskers night club in York on the way back and had a hell of a night!

It seems as if those great FA Cup days have ended now, because no one attends games in Rounds 1 and 2 anymore!

Me and Plant Works mate went down to Reading on the train, using our free travel passes for that delayed 3rd round tie. If we had beat Reading we would have played Sunderland in Round 4 -- and that's the season Sunderland beat Leeds at Wembley.

Setters had a great young team that season, and like SOD today he encouraged his charges to play football -- the team lacked a couple of old heads in midfield -- but what talent in Irvine, Elwiss, Kitch, Brookes and Rabjohn. They were all D2 standard players. Also, Usher, Haselden and Uzelac would have easily held their positions in D2 sides.

What a performance at home v Exeter -- I well recall Irvine's goal, and then we had a pint with him in the Horse and Groom afterwards! But this was Rovers, and joys were shortlived -- a 5-0 loss at Bury, and that awful 5-1 loss to Newport at BV.

Thanks again for this BE!

[Wokingviking]

Thank you Bradford Exile - fantastic.

What was the result of the Leeds friendly - was it 0-2?

[bradford exile]

Thanks wokingviking glad you enjoyed the read

Full time score was 3-0 to Leeds

Dont think your on my mailing list are you???????


Regards

Ray

[Wokingviking]

Hi Ray - I've mailed you on here.  Thanks!

[roversdude]

Thanks Bradfordexile, the incident against Lincoln sticks in my mind as it was my first away game, think i was about 7.
Also remember going to the cup game at Scarboro although dont remember where they played.
top post

[Ladyrover]

I love reading these but for some reason none of it seems familiar apart from the names. I started working at ICI in the October of '72 and I'm sure I went to most of the home games but I don't even remember the FA cup games.

[RoversDave]

[RoversDave]

They were in a local paper, with the header the Faithful Ones

[roversdude]

Brought back memories Dave.
Mike Kitchen ???

[Dutch Uncle]

Michael Peter Kitchen (born 16 February, 1954 in Mexborough)

That's the one and only