The 1940s - Basil Newport, John Pearson and Marshall Woodward

After the Second World War, Rovers turned their attention back to winning trophies and were joined by youngster Marshall Woodward, who managed to score 7 goals in the record 18-1 win over Dursley Town in 1946. Marshall was a key striker in the 1940s having trials at Wolves before moving to semi-professional Stonehouse who were playing in the Western League. (Bob Peachey scored 54 goals in the 1946 season).

 

John Pearson was the headmaster at Nailsworth Boys School and was the County centre half in a very strong Rovers team. He apparently didn’t have to jump to head the ball his head would come out on a stalk! Rovers didn’t lose many games when John played.

 

Basil Newport joined Rovers in 1938 and went straight into the first team at the age of 17 and played in the cup final immediately before the war. He then became a lynchpin of the first team during the 1940s being part of a very strong team. He continued to play until 1956 when his career finally ended. He was playing in a charity match for Bill Malpas who had broken his leg so badly the season before that it was plated, when his own leg was broken.