History
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After the excitement of the 1970 cup final the early seventies
proved to be barren years. Once again the club faced a battle for survival
as it's financial situation slowly worsened. During the summer of 1970 goalkeeper
Tom Lally was sold to Celtic for £4000 and Kevin Fallon was
sold to Southend United for £1000 but the club still had not made significant
inroads into it's debt. Rovers started the season by making their customary
first round exit from the City cup and failing to make the semi-finals of
the shield. During the league campaign Rovers signed local winger Paul
Mc Gee and former Bohemians goalkeeper Dinny Lowry who had made
a huge contribution to Bohs FAI cup final victory the previous season. Still
the best the club could do in the league was mid-table. Rovers defeated Tullamore
Town in the first round of the cup before losing out to St. Pats in the second
round. Before the season was over player manager Ken Turner had left.
Ken Turner was replaced as manager by the partnership of David Pugh
and Gerry Mitchell for the 1971/72 season. The club's professional
policy was discontinued and the team went part time. The early season form
was not good as Rovers were knocked out of the city cup at the second round
stage. Their performance in the shield yielded two wins. The league campaign
started with a run of one win from their first nine games and another season
of struggle was in prospect. The form improved slightly in mid-season as an
unbeaten run of six games seemed to have stabilised the situation. Then the
team only managed to pick up three points from the last eleven games to finish
on the bottom of the league, forcing the club to seek re-election once again.
In the F.A.I. cup Rovers were knocked out in the first round by Drumcondra
after a second replay.
Before the start of the new season the Rovers A.G.M. passed a motion stating
that the Showgrounds, or part of it's grounds, could not be be sold or Mortgaged.
The partnership of Pugh and Mitchell was replaced by Jim Mc Donnell
as manager. Mc Donnell had made his name as a player with Dundalk, Ards and
Crusaders and had played for the Irish league and the League of Ireland teams.
The season started as usual with a first round exit from the city cup and
another failure to make the semi-finals of the shield. Rovers league form
was very poor and they only managed three wins from the first fourteen games.
Mc Donnell was sacked in January with the club in a perilous position
once more. He was replaced as manager by ex. Cork Hibs player John Duffy.
Under his leadership Rovers managed to haul themselves away from the bottom
of the table, eventually finishing ninth. In the F.A.I. cup first round Rovers
lost to Limerick and Duffy left to leave the club searching for a manager
for the new season once again.
For the 1973/74 seaon Rovers appointed LenVallard as manager. Vallard
had played for Reading as a full back. The start of the season was re-organised
with the shield discontinued. This competition was replaced by a new competition
the League Cup. The teams were split into two groups for the qualifying rounds
and Rovers could only manage one victory from their five games. In the league
Rovers started reasonably well before their form dipped and they found themselves
on the bottom of the league again. Rovers managed to win only six of their
26 games in the league and eventually finished second from bottom. Once again
the club was forced to apply for re-election to the league. The cup did not
provide any joy either. Rovers beat non-league Wembley Rovers from Cork in
the first round. They were then knocked out by Athlone Town in the second
round. During the summer Len Vallard resigned and Rovers were again looking
for a manager.
The search for a new manager provided Rovers with one of the
more bizarre stories from their history as well as a fortunate lucky break.
Rovers announced that the new boss would be Derry man Johnny Crossan
whose contract was about to expire with Belgian club Tongren. Indeed Crossan
began signing players for the new season although he could not play himself.
It was only after the league campaign had started that it was announced that
he would not be released by the Belgians. David Pugh then took over
as caretaker as the club searched for a successor. Rovers qualified for the
semi-final of the League cup with a win over Shamrock Rovers. In the semi-final
they were eliminated by their North Western neighbours Finn Harps. Rovers
started the league badly and were bottom of the league when it was announced
that the Scot Billy Sinclair would be the new boss. Sinclair had played
with Kilmarnock, Chelsea and Glentoran during his career and was returning
from playing in Australia with Marconi. Sinclair managed to steady the ship
a little but in spite of winning six of their final 15 league games Rovers
still finished bottom of the league. The season finished with a first round
exit in the F.A.I. cup to Cork Celtic (3 - 1) but Sinclair was about to exert
his influence on the club.
At the beginning of the 1975/76 season Sinclair set about building his team.
He brought in goalkeeper Alan Paterson from Sheffield Wednesday, Chris
Rutherford and Graham Fox from Cardiff City and Mick Leonard
from Celtic. Rovers started the season in blistering form and reached the
final of the league cup. They beat Finn Harps 3 - 2 in the first round before
travelling to Dublin to defeat Home Farm 3 - 1 in the next round. The team
then produced their best performance of the season in the semi-final against
Drogheda at Oriel Park in Dundalk. Rovers won the game 5 - 1 with a hat-trick
from Mick Leonard and goals from Paul Mc Gee and Johnny Boyle.
The papers the following day compared Leonard's performance to the great Dixie
Dean. The final was a two legged affair and Rovers lost the first leg
in Limerick 4 - 0 in a game which was marred by crowd trouble. A Mick Leonard
goal earned Rovers victory in the second leg but they lost the final 4 - 1
on aggregate.
Once the league campaign started Rovers form dipped and they could not haul
themselves out of the bottom half of the table. In fact Rovers could only
win six out of their 26 games, however, had they been able to convert some
of their eight draws to victories then they might have improved their position.
Rovers eventually finished tenth ion the league. In the cup Rovers faced non-league
opposition in the first two rounds. Victories against CIE/Transport and St.
Brendans gave Rovers a quarter final tie against Athlone Town at the Showgrounds.
Athlone raced into a two goal lead before Rovers levelled the game with goals
from Tony Fagen and Paul Mc Gee. Then two goals from Mick
Leonard earned the team a place in the semi-finals. Bohemians would be
the opposition in the club's first semi-final since 1970 at Tolka Park. Rovers
were unlucky to be held to 1 - 1 with Paul Mc Gee the goalscorer on
the night. In the replay they were no match for Bohemians and lost 5 - 0.
There were, however, signs that Sinclair's team was beginning to come together,
especially in the cup competitions.
Sinclair continued to strengthen his team by bringing in Paul
Fielding and Gary Hulmes from Rochdale and Michael Betts
from Blackpool. They started the season well by winning their league cup group
to qualify for the semi-final. A victory over St. Pats in the semi final (2
- 1) clinched a place in the final again against old rivals Shamrock Rovers.
The final was played at Dalymount Park and Rovers lost out to a late goal
from Mick Leech.
On October 3rd Rovers set out on what was to be an historic league
campaign. Defending champions Dundalk were the visitors to the Showgrounds
that day. The previous year Sinclair's team had played well in the league
cup only to fade when the league started. This time Rovers were ready and
a superb performance saw them defeat Dundalk 4 - 2. The goals were provided
by Paul Mc Gee, Michael Betts 2 and Gary Hulmes. Rovers
won four of their first five game before suffering back to back defeats away
to Cork Celtic and at home to St. Pats. There would be two more defeats in
the whole campaign. The form pickd up after this and two five nil wins on
consecutive weekends showed that Rovers meant business. The second of these
was against Athlone Town at St. Mels park and was a performance worthy of
champions. With Betts and Fagen providing the the ammunition
from midfield Rovers strike force of Mc Gee, Hulmes and Leonard
ripped Athlone to shreds. One week later, on December 12th Rovers
defeated Drogheda United at the Showgrounds to go top of the league. They
would stay there to the end of the season.
In early January Rovers lost to nearest rivals Bohemians at the Showgrounds.
This was to be their last defeat of the season. The team did not play as well
in the run in as they did before Christmas, however solid defence and some
outstanding goalkeeping from Alan Paterson allowed them to dig out
results when necessary. The league was to be settled on the final day of the
season, Easter Sunday, April 10th 1977. Rovers needed to beat Shamrock
Rovers at the Showgrounds to clinch the title, a draw and a win for Bohs would
force a play-off. The game started well for Rovers as Charlie Ferry's
cross found the head of Gary Hulmes and his looping header put Rovers
in front after only six minutes. Rovers failed to consolidate on their lead
and eventually the nerves began to set in.
Into the second half the score was still one - nil and Shams were beginning
to look dangerous and then the unthinkable happened. Shams winger Paul Mc
Gee equalised and the nightmare scenario of a play-off began to surface. The
goal shook Rovers into action and for the last half hour of the game they
played like champions. With twenty minutes to go Rovers forced a left wing
corner at the Church hill end of the ground. Our own
Alan Paterson : The finest goalkeeper to play in the league of Ireland during this author's lifetime. Paterson joined the club from Sheffield Wednesday and during the league campaign produced many memorable performances. One which stands out above all others is an afternoon at Finn Park when Harps lethal strike force of Brendan Bradley and Hilary Carlyle threw everything they knew at him. Rovers were under siege for the whole game and at time Paterson seemed to be playing Harps on his own. One save from a Carlysle header just under the crossbar simply took your breath away. Rovers got one break in the game and Paul Mc Gee scored to give the side an unlikely win. Goalkeepers don't win games on their own but there is no doubt that Paterson kept Rovers in games they should have lost long enough for Mc Gee, Hulmes or Leonard to snatch a goal at the other end. Alan went on to play for Glentoran and forced his way into the Northern Ireland squad. The best compliment that can be paid to him is that it took a goalkeeper of the calibre of Pat Jennings to keep him on the bench.
Paul Fielding : Signed by Sinclair from Rochdale originally as a midfielder but converted to full-back as injury forced Sinclair to spend most of his time on the bench. Paul was not the most skillful player in the team but he was Mr. reliable. He rarely had a bad game and was hardly ever exposed by opposition fowards.
Graham Fox : Graham was signed from Cardiff City with Chris Rutherford. One of the best attacking full-backs to play in the league of Ireland. His educated left-foot always seemed to be able to pick out a colleague. He was always available down the left side and prduced some wicked crosses for the strikers. Graham had the honour of captaining the team.
Chris Rutherford : Joined the club from Cardiff City. Chris was a giant in the centre of the defence. Although he was not the greatest on the ground he won everything in the air. He also managed to score some vital goals for the club. Chris has given the club great service and is the assistant manager at the club today. Indeed he has taken over the managers duties on a number of occassions as the club searched for a new manager.
Tony Stenson : Another player who joined the club from Sheffield Wednesday. Tony is another import who has given the club great service. An uncompromising centre half when "Stenny" tackled the whole Showgrounds shook. Formed a solid partnership with Chris Rutherford for many years. Tony's day of glory would come in the F.A.I. cup in later years !
Paul Mc Gee : The most talented footballer to be produced by the town of Sligo during this author's lifetime. Paul could play wide on the right or as an out an out striker. He scored goals that others could only dream about and they were almost always important goals. He finished joint top scorer with 13 goals for the season. Paul was signed by Q.P.R. after impressing them with his form during the cahmpionship winning year. He went on to be capped by Ireland and scored four goals for his country.
Tony Fagen Fago has dedicated his life to the club and, like Chris Rutherford, is still with the club as a coach. He was the ball winner in midfield and made sure the opposition were not given easy possesion. Born within a stone's throw of the Showgrounds he never gave anything less than 100%. Tony would go on to captain the club on another of it's greatest days.
Michael Betts : A talented central mid-field player who joined the club from Blackpool. Michael provided the skill and guile from mid-field which set up the strikers. He also scored some important goals for the club. He eventually moved on to join Shamrock Rovers.
Charlie Ferry : Charlie joined the club after Christmas and was Sinclair's final piece of the jigsaw. A Donegal man who had played with Finn Harps Charlie gave the side balance down the left hand side of mid-field and though he only played for part of the campaign he made a huge contribution.
Mick Leonard : Joined the club from Celtic where he played one first team game. He was the target man and formed a lethal partnership with Gary Hulmes and Paul Mc Gee. He scored many vital goals for the club as well as providing opportunities for Hulmes. Returned to Scotland the following season where he was a regulat goalscorer with Dunfermline.
Gary Hulmes : Gary was signed from Rochdale at the same time as Paul Fielding. He was the perfect partner for Leonard as his lightning pace got him into many usefull positions. His finishing sometimes let him down and should have scored more goals than he did for the club.
Padraig Mc Manus : Padriag was a local lad who was not a regular in the first team. He did a useful job at full-back whenever he was asked to.
Shane Walker :
Shane was signed from Hereford United but failed to win a regular first team
place. Like Mc Manus he proved to be a useful squad member.
The only disappointment of this season came in the F.A.I cup where Rovers
faced Limerick. A 4 - 1 defeat meant that the champions were out in the first
round.
As champions Rovers would take their place in the European cup
at the start of the 1977/78 season. When the draw was made the club would
face Red Star Belgrade with the first leg in Belgrade. From a footballing
point of view it was a good draw, Red Star were one of the top clubs in European
football and in later years would win the European cup. From a financial point
of view it was not seen as a good draw with a long, expensive trip to eastern
Europe and the prospect of an academic second leg at the Showgrounds. In the
end it was a very brave performance from Rovers in the Red Star stadium. They
defended well in the first half and went in at half time level at 0 - 0. The
fitness of the Yugoslavians began to tell in the second half and Rovers eventually
lost 3 - 0. For the return leg the Showgrounds was packed to the rafters as
the Yugoslavians toyed with Rovers. The men from eastern Europe produced an
exhubition of football which was on a different planet from anything the Showgrounds
had seen before. They were a goal up after only five minutes and were three
- nil up late in the game when Kevin Mc Cool was brought down as he
made a run into the box. The referee awarded a penalty and Paul Mc Gee
had his effort saved by the keeper. The referee decided that the keeper had
moved too soon and ordered the kick to be re-taken. Unfortunately the keeper
saved again and Rovers were robbed of a small slice of glory.
Rovers started well in the league and looked as if they were about to put
up a stern defence of their championship. Then just after the European match
Paul Mc Gee joined Queens Park Rangers. Michael Betts had left
the club during the summer and so Rovers were without the two most creative
players from the championship victory. Mc Gee was replaced in the side
by local winger Harry Mc Laughlin who was about to keep a date with
destiny. In fact Mc Laughlin's early performances were so good that
the blow of losing the most talented footballer in the League of Ireland was
softened greatly. The side that had won the league was breaking up fast and
in January of 1978 Mick Leonard returned to Scotland where he was a
regular goalscorer with Dunfermline. Leonard was replaced by Shelbourne striker
John Delemere who arrived at the Showgrounds with a reputation as the
countries top goalscorer. He never did reproduce his Shelbourne form at the
Showgrounds and in the end Rovers league challange faded through lack of goals,
eventually finishing sixth. They reached the semi final of the league cup
where they played Dundalk over two legs. After a 2 - 1 defeat at Oriel Park
Rovers won the second leg 2 - 1 at the Showgrounds and the aggregate score
was 3 - 3 after extra time was played. Unfortunately Rovers lost the penalty
shoot-out and so failed to make the final.
Rovers eight place in the league
the previoius season meant that they opened the new decade playing in the
Tyler cup. This was a cross border competition and in the first round Rovers
beat Glenavon 3 - 1. They then had to face Linfield in the second round at
the Showgrounds on a night where the big loser was football. Cross border
competitions always fail because Linfield's fans visit's to the south almost
alway's end in carnage. This was no exception as the Northern fans fought
running battles with the Gardai during the course of the game. The Belfast
fans received a Garda escort to the border after the game but their behaviour
sounded the death knell for this competition. For the record Linfield won
the game 2 - 1. In the League cup Rovers lost 4 - 1 to Athlone Town in the
first round. Once again Rovers got off to a poor start in the league. Then
they hit a run of form winning six matches in a row which pulled them up into
third place. This position proved to be false and seven defeats in a row saw
Rovers slide to eleventh position by the time the league finished.
In the cup Rovers needed a replay to get past U.C.D. in the first round. A
second round win over Home Farm gave them a place in the semi-final where
they played Waterford. The semi-final ended in a 2 - 2 draw with Rovers goals
from Paddy Sheridan and Liam Patton. Rovers won the replay with
a volley from Harry Mc Laughlin settling the game. In the final against
Dundalk Rovers never looked capable of winning in a game in which the Louth
men dominated. The match was scoreless until the 51st minute when
an inswinging right wing corner from John Archbold beat everyone and creeped
in at the far post. Rovers defending was shocking. Even then Rovers never
looked like they could save the game and had few serious efforts at goal.
Their best effort was a chip from Harry Mc Laughlin which forced a
save from the Dundalk keeper, Blackmore. In the 78th minute the
game was over as a quick break from Dundalk sent Mick Fairclough through and
he finished calmly. This was Rovers fifth cup final and their fifth defeat.
There was talk of a jinx or a curse placed on the club in this competition
but destiny was about to smile on the club.
Rovers financial problems surfaced again at the beginning of the 1981/82 season.
The club announced that they could be out of football by christmas if they
didn't raise £20,000. Once again the tried and trusted method of raising cash,
the door to door collection, saw the people of the area ensure that the club
would continue. They were eliminated from the league cup in the second round
and once again followed this with a poor start to the league. They then went
seven games unbeaten. Included in this run was an unforgettable home game
against Dundalk when the run seemed to have ended. Dundalk led 1 - 0 with
just four minutes left. Gus Gilligan equalised and then in injury time
a diving header from Peter Mc Nally gave Rovers an unlikely win. The
team lost only nine league games all season and eventually finished fifth
in the league. The cup saw Rovers draw with U.C.D. in the first round before
being eliminated by the students after a replay (3 - 1). At the end of the
season Patsy Mc Gowan left the club to take over the managers position
at Finn Harps.
Que Sera Sera Whatever will be, will be The future's not ours to see Que Sera Sera
© Copyright : Jim Garvey
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