Roy of the Rovers – Total Football

Part 7

Forward Marco De Loon scored Melchester Rovers’ first competitive goal of the season as they eased past Blackton Wanderers into the third round of the League Cup.

The 22-year-old slid a shot past Luke Gay after a neat turn inside the box to put the Premier League side ahead. Blackton's best chance fell to Jack Curtsey, whose effort was blocked by the sliding Ryan Small, and after that the visitors rarely threatened.

Rovers boss Johan Seegrun made 10 changes to the team that lost 3-0 at Kingsbay on Saturday evening, giving debuts to Gary Canning and Jimmy Stein.

It was Melchester who had the better of the first half before De Loon found the bottom right-hand corner after the Dutchman worked himself into a shooting position.

Championship outfit Blackton did put the away side under pressure from set pieces and throw-ins, but without stretching the Rovers defence.

Debutant winger Canning hit the side netting after a well-worked corner in the second half for the hosts, who face Rotherton in the Premier League on Saturday.

Melchester Rovers entertain Bradfield Town in the third round.

Melchester manager Johan Seegrun: "All forwards want to score and Marco has that. The goal will give him confidence but he put in a very good shift. What we learned from Kingsbay

was we knew the extra width was coming. The best way to control that is by us keeping the ball and we managed to do that in the second half when the long balls into the corners that were coming in were spread out."

Blackton assistant manager George Pearson: "I'd like to think we can leave with our heads held high. We've come up against a very talented Melchester team and apart from the last 10 minutes I think we created some good chances. If we were a bit more ruthless we might have gone into extra-time."

* * *

Tension mixed with pungent Deep Heat at Melchester Training Ground. The victory over a weak Blackton Wanderers had done nothing to ease the strain between Johan Seegrun, his supporters in the squad and the mutineers, led by Richie Lyons. Thursday was the day that Seegrun and Valker’s training sessions focussed entirely on Total Football. Lyons, Drew Powell and Harry Jacobs already knew they were dropped for the Sunday match at home to Rotherton, they showed no intention of joining the morning’s workout, preferring to stay in the gymnasium. The captain, Jake Cheetham, scowled at his best friend Powell, who avoided eye contact as he pounded the running machine. Cheetham had stuck by his pal, begged his manager to reconsider his sanctions, but the Dutchman was not one to back down, as stubborn as they come.

The Kingsbay 3, as they were now jokingly referred to in the Rovers dressing room, had been training alone, apart from the one session in preparation for the Blackton League Cup match, in which Lyons and Powell were to be substitutes. Seegrun’s response to his dissenters would be considered extreme in the real world of work, but in football players do occasionally need reminding of who is ultimately accountable for team performance. Players were never sacked for playing poorly, the manager would be removed as a result of such events. Seegrun had made it clear that his system was at fault, but so were the players who could not transfer their good work on the training field to the Premier League.

As Jake stretched with the other first-team squad he thought back to earlier in the week. Monday’s team meeting had not been as stressful as he had feared. Seegrun spoke confidently and calmly about his concerns. Players with concerns of their own were offered the opportunity to speak up. None did, except the captain, “Boss, I get the system, I think we all do. But it goes against our instincts. When we’re playing poorly, what we usually do is revert to a simple game plan and try and get the basics right; like at the end of last season. You’re asking a team that’s out of form to play the most complex tactics we’ve ever known. Can’t you understand why some of us are getting frustrated?”

The manager paused for thought, he knew Cheetham had made a very good point. “I do understand. What I do not understand is the panic. Too many of you seem too concerned with the form. Form is irrelevant, results are what matter. We have lost two games, we have drawn two games. Yes, we have not scored, but in two games we kept did not concede. That is a positive. Too many of you respond too much to feedback from outside this club. The feedback that matters comes from me and from Valker; understand?

“I am not entirely unhappy with what I am seeing. Until Kingsbay we were a solid side, difficult to beat. I think some of you do not understand that Total Football is total, it is not just an attacking system, it is as much a defensive system. In fact the defensive positions are the most vital, the sweeper; Carruthers!” he pointed at the young defender, “Your main duties? Tell me!” As if he were back in grammar school James stood as he spoke, “To start attacks with short passes!” Seegrun span on the spot, arms flailing, “No! Your main duty is to sweep – sweeper – you move along behind the backline and clean up! You are a defender first, always!”

Seegrun’s mission to change the footballing philosophy at Melchester Rovers was never going to be easy. But the manager was only just beginning to realise the fundamental lack of understanding many of his players had of his system. His captain believed that they all understood what he was asking of them, but he was wrong. Carruthers was by far the most academically gifted member of the Rovers squad. Yet even he had failed to grasp the basic concepts of Total Football. “OK, I have an idea, this morning it is fitness, we will move Total Football to this afternoon. We go back to basics, I am going to talk you through the best game of Total Football ever known, Alkhoven versus Melchester Rovers in the 1978 European Cup Final!”

Jake Cheetham continued to stretch. Monday’s afternoon analysis was amazing; Seegrun’s interpretation of the match he had reviewed less than forty-eight hours before with Roy Race, was no different. He had read the game in the exact same way as Roy. Surely Johan’s Rovers would come good, it was only a matter of time.

* * *

Geoff Miles had arranged the meeting, for now David Roth, the Melchester Rovers chairman would be the only one to know of Trevor Brinsden’s imminent return to the boardroom. Giles used his favourite venue, the American Bar at the Melchester Hilton. His research had proven that Brinsden was not a wanted man, there was no need for secrecy from the law, just from the thousands of Rovers fans who populated the city. Trevor’s disappearance had been big news, the Basranians had publicised his absence in order to justify their increasing levels of control and influence over first-team matters. Without one half of the fan-elected leadership team, the community based contract limiting BCIF’s involvement was void, allowing the Basranians back in the boardroom without the consent of the Rovers members. Many supporters had not forgiven Brinsden for walking out on his responsibilities, he was one of them, their true representative on the board of the biggest football

club in Europe. For now, Giles and Roth agreed to keep Trevor’s return secret. First they would devise a plan for his reintroduction and then attempt regain control of the club.

Eleven o’clock on a Thursday was not a popular time to enjoy a cocktail, so the bar was deserted. Brinsden and Giles sat in the corner between the bar and the floor to ceiling windows. A view over the city for Trevor, while Geoff faced the double swing doors, the only entry point to the bar. David Roth appeared, his face a strange contortion of smile and grimace, as if he did not quite believe that his former co-chairman was back. The men shook hands warmly, “How’s it going, old boy?” Roth asked, “You look well, that’s a healthy tan and you’ve lost weight!”

Miles had briefed Trevor, it was best not to reveal anything about where he had been hiding and certainly any of the more illicit activities that had taken place over the last eighteen months. Roth, too, did not expect answers; Brinsden’s return was good for business, that was his primary concern.

“So, how do we get you back on the board? The original agreement was null once you failed to attend three consecutive meetings, BCIF had you removed at an EGM. But I reckon there’s a loophole! As you were never replaced, we can have you reinstated if your absence can be confirmed as down to extraordinary circumstances.” Roth looked Brinsden up and down, “Unfortunately you look rather healthy right now! I was thinking cancer, I know it sounds horrible and tempting fate somewhat, but it’s the only thing I can think of. The whole story would show you in a really positive light, no-one could hold a grudge, we can do a recovery piece in the Melchester Echo.”

Trevor agreed to Roth’s simple plan, pretending to be a cancer survivor was hardly the worst crime he had committed. There were reservations; his mother had died from the disease when he was nineteen, which had a profound effect on his personality. But morality and business had no link as far as Brinsden was concerned. Doctor’s notes would be forged and supporting statements prepared if any doubt emerged. Officially Trevor had spent the last twelve months in a specialist recovery centre in the Cayman Islands, Roth knew a doctor there who could be paid off if need be. The tan would be explained and the general secretive nature surrounding the tax haven would thwart any investigative journalism.

Trevor was always surprised at how quickly his own mind could conjure up alibis and cover stories, but even he was amazed at the speed in which David Roth had pulled this story together. Roth’s efficiency poured doubt over the legitimacy of his past. Perhaps all successful businessmen had shady backgrounds and skeletons in the closet, everyone who Brinsden had met seemed to.

So it was settled; Trevor would appear on the pitch at half-time during the Rotherton game, live on Orbital Sports that Sunday. He would do an interview at full-time explaining his battle with cancer. Roth would provide a script, complete with locations, names and times. A follow-up article would appear in Monday’s Melchester Echo with full details of Trevor’s heroic fight. With the positive publicity flowing, BCIF would have no choice but to accept Roth’s re-nomination of Trevor Brinsden as chairman of Melchester Rovers. The fans would be back in charge.

* * *

While Melchester Rovers fans were berating the lack of entertainment offered up by their side, in West London, the loyal supporters of Walford Rovers were dizzy with excitement. Kenny Davenport’s team sat in third place in the Premier League, scoring freely, playing a fizzy pop style of attacking football. Declan McKaffree, unwanted at Melchester, was excelling in the number ten roll, supporting talented England striker Nicky Morris. Both men were in goalscoring form, sharing seven goals in all competitions.

Tonight would be their biggest test of the season so far. After winning the F.A. Cup, Walford, of course, entered the Europa League. Drawn in a tough group, thanks to their low UEFA Co-efficient, their opening group game proved simple as Cypriot Champions Nicosia were thrashed 4-0. But match day two would be an entirely different challenge; a daunting trip to Northern Italy to face mighty Canazaro.

Walford Rovers humbled 10-man Canazaro as the London club moved clear at the top of their Europa League group after a stylish display.

Home defender Mario Cabanas was sent off for a ninth-minute professional foul when he hauled down Declan McKaffree. And McKaffree was first to make the Italian giants pay with his right-footed opener, which went in via a deflection.

After the break Nicky Morris fired in from eight yards to make it 2-0 and McKaffree curled in a 30-yard free-kick to move Walford 3 points clear at the top of Group A. That concluded a memorable, historic night for the visitors as Walford claimed their first ever away victory in European competitions.

As Walford and their fans celebrated, the home supporters aimed their howls of derision at manager Mario Bertini, who was appointed in the summer.

Canazaro boast a proud record in Europe - they lie 8th in the all-time overall European standings - while Walford have never been beyond the second round in seven previous forays into European competition.

Bertini made nine starting line-up changes following their 3-1 Serie A defeat by Stezia and Davenport made five changes, one enforced by skipper Andy Church's ankle injury. If Bertini's wholesale changes were intended to garner a positive response to their early-season set-backs, the plan unfolded.

The hosts were left exposed to Walford's passing style after Uruguayan Cabanas was sent off for dragging down McKaffree as the veteran Irish international threatened to race clear.

The visitors took the lead when Antonio Cuatro broke away and found Morris on the left and the striker crossed for McKaffree to convert right-footed from inside the penalty area. Walford could have added more as they dominated the first half with Philip Matthews spurning a great chance when he fired across goal while Morris had a less clear-cut headed chance but was off-balance just outside the six-yard box and saw his effort drift wide.

McKaffree shot wide from 20 yards just before the break and he missed another opportunity to double the visitors' lead after half-time after being played in by Matthews. Matthews’ well-placed cross gave McKaffree another chance to double the visitors' lead as they pressed early in the second period.

Morris flicked another chance over the bar from close range as Walford continued in positive fashion. But Morris was not to be denied a goal and confidently stroked in Walford's second from eight yards after Cuatro found him with a well-weighted pass. Moments later Declan McKaffree sent a dipping, curling free-kick into the top corner to seal Walford's victory.

Walford manager Kenny Davenport: "This was a momentous night for Walford Rovers. Coming out here to Italy and getting that result is just unbelievable. We deserved it, yes a bit of luck with the red card, but we never gave them a sniff. I’ve got to mention Declan McKaffree, he’s made a massive difference to us. His movement, skill and experience, as well as his goals. He’s turning us into a real side.”

Storky Knight

NEXT – Melchester United?