Busy christmas schedules of the past
Dec 19, 2023 19:23:39 GMT
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JeffNZ, Bamber Gashead, and 2 more like this
Post by harrybuckle on Dec 19, 2023 19:23:39 GMT
Unbelievable! How football managers think it's a hectic schedule over christmas these days when they have squads of 40 players and can use name and use umpteen substitutes
However in the 1950s it was common place for games being played on christmas day, boxing day and new years day and in those days there were no substitutes.
In 1953 travelled to Everton on Christmas day lost 3 0 and Boxing day at Eastville the teams played out a goal less draw.
In 1956 Rovers played away to Bury lost 7-2 on xmas day and remarkably beat them 6-1 at home on boxing day ! A trip to greater Manchester was not easy in those days no motorways the team travelled by train and returning the same day.
In 1957 Rovers travelled to the Vetch Field Swansea on Christmas day
This was the last time Rovers played a Christmas Day fixture and we lost 6-4 watched by 11.340 fans]
The following day we exacted quick revenge in the the return fixture 3-0 on Boxing Day at Eastville in front of over 22000 spectators.
Other interesting Christmas stats.In 1919/20 season Rovers had a particularly difficult and tiring period. They played on 20 December at Northampton Town in the FA Cup and drew 2-2, the replay was played ob 24 December at home and won 3-2, then on 25 December rhey travelled to Swansea Town away and lost 2-1. On Boxing day they hosted Swansea Town again and drew 3-3.then on 27 December Gillingham at home 1-1 This meant a remarkable Four games in four days. Joe Walter pictured played in every game that season. Then they had a welcome rest until 3 January 1920.
Another example of a genuine hectic Christmas schedule was in 1930: 25 Dec. home Brighton drew 3-3, 26 Dec. away Brighton lost 0-4, 27 Dec away Northampton Town drew 1-1. During the three matches ten of the players took part in all the 3 games. Ronnie Dix played in all three matches and scored in one of them.
Footballers today don't realise how easy they have got it compared with those particular days.
However in the 1950s it was common place for games being played on christmas day, boxing day and new years day and in those days there were no substitutes.
In 1953 travelled to Everton on Christmas day lost 3 0 and Boxing day at Eastville the teams played out a goal less draw.
In 1956 Rovers played away to Bury lost 7-2 on xmas day and remarkably beat them 6-1 at home on boxing day ! A trip to greater Manchester was not easy in those days no motorways the team travelled by train and returning the same day.
In 1957 Rovers travelled to the Vetch Field Swansea on Christmas day
This was the last time Rovers played a Christmas Day fixture and we lost 6-4 watched by 11.340 fans]
The following day we exacted quick revenge in the the return fixture 3-0 on Boxing Day at Eastville in front of over 22000 spectators.
Other interesting Christmas stats.In 1919/20 season Rovers had a particularly difficult and tiring period. They played on 20 December at Northampton Town in the FA Cup and drew 2-2, the replay was played ob 24 December at home and won 3-2, then on 25 December rhey travelled to Swansea Town away and lost 2-1. On Boxing day they hosted Swansea Town again and drew 3-3.then on 27 December Gillingham at home 1-1 This meant a remarkable Four games in four days. Joe Walter pictured played in every game that season. Then they had a welcome rest until 3 January 1920.
Another example of a genuine hectic Christmas schedule was in 1930: 25 Dec. home Brighton drew 3-3, 26 Dec. away Brighton lost 0-4, 27 Dec away Northampton Town drew 1-1. During the three matches ten of the players took part in all the 3 games. Ronnie Dix played in all three matches and scored in one of them.
Footballers today don't realise how easy they have got it compared with those particular days.