Book Review: ‘Real Roy of the Rovers stuff’ by Barrie Tomlinson

What wonderful holiday reading this hidden gem proved to be.

In this engaging little book, Barrie Tomlinson looks back over the extraordinary career of one of the most iconic football figures of the last 60

Tomlinson recalls the many “real life“ adventures of comic hero Roy Race, darling of fictional Melchester Rovers. We learn of his goal scoring feats, cup heroics and European glories.

We also meet Roy “the man” as the author weaves his way through Roy’s marriage to the lovely Penny, introduces Roy’s three delightful kids (Roy Jr, Melinda and Diana) and even reminds us of the time Roy was shot. There are appearances by celebrities such as Tommy Docherty, Morecambe & Wise and Sir Alf Ramsey. Even the Royal Family crop up in these comic book capers. Shirt sponsorship, football hooliganism and the influx of foreign stars bring modern features to the tale. I even follow Roy on Twitter! (@royoftherovers)

Roy’s story will certainly bring a smile to men of a certain age, as they recall their own childhood memories.

Yet this is no mere nostalgia trip though as, in amongst this delightful chronicle, Tomlinson also describes his own contribution to the character’s creation. He delights us in revealing how a comic strip hero is created, maintained & developed. He discusses artwork, editing, scriptwriting and continuity. We learn, for example, how a minor change to Roy’s kit in the early days, allowed greater scope for avoiding colour clashes with the opposition. We discover the history of “Tiger,” the comic in which Roy first appeared. It really is a most revealing insight into a specialism I had rarely contemplated before.

The title will appeal to anyone interested in football writing, comic book creation or the wider place of football in an ever changing cultural landscape.

The title was published in 2016 but remains available via Amazon and via certain other retail outlets.

It is well worth a read.