Inspired by a comment on another thread. Often Holt's amazing rise to the prem has been described as a Roy of the rovers type story. From being a journeyman of the lower leagues to scoring against the likes of Chelsea, Man U, Liverpool, Newcastle, Everton etc. So what players who have a similar background would you include in an all time Roy of the rovers team?
Not as spectacular rise as Holt's, but I would include Gary Mabbutt. Considering how badly he had diabetes, to play at the top level as he did.
Roy of the Rovers comic remains one of the best things in life ever - FACT!! Used to read it religiously every week as a kid until it sadly went out of publication in the 90's. A couple of years back I bought up loads of back issues on EBay and have a pretty decejnt collection now and the stories are still as superb as ever. Holty defines the whole Roy of the Rovers ethos perfectly
Been trying to think of someone who epitomises that ethos more than Holt. Currently struggling to thing of any other significant contenders. Certainly from recent years. What a hero he is!
What about the guy that was in league 1 / 2 who went to world cup with Trinidad and Tobago...Chris birchall I think. Ended up with Coventry and now la galaxy, but is pants. Holt should declare himself Scottish through a great aunt and get the recognition he deserves. Anyway, England took bothroyd who was playing in the championship at the time....
Holty was born in Carlisle - that's damn near Scotland (or near enough). Expect the call-up soon Holty !
Steve Bull was a prolific Striker for Wolves and scored for England on his debut at Wembley back in 1989!
Roger Osborne local Suffolk lad who turned up to a training session one night with his mate. Bobby Robson spotted him he became a first team regular as a bread & butter midfielder. He went onto score the winner in the 1978 cup final. Now that's Roy of the Rovers stuff!
Roy Essandoh. Gets signed to Wycombe after responding to an advert on ceefax and goes on to score the winner that puts Wycombe into an FA Cup semi-final with Liverpool.
