The Match of the Day Years - November 1998

Click on the images to maximize.

Roy of the Rovers and me‏

I would love to say that it was love at first sight but if I'm honest as a young kid I had no interest in the adventures of Roy Race and the mighty Melchester Rovers.

Comics have always been my life and even before I could read every long journey was equipped with a collection of comics for me to look through. Spiderman, Batman, Superman and even the Beano and Dandy comics were my favorites... who wants to read about football when I've got superheroes. My earliest memory of Roy of the Rovers was hearing that Spandau Ballet and the annoying one of Question of Sport (Emlyn Hughes) played for them really turned me off the comic.

So what was it that changed my mind?

The Match of the Day Years - October 1998

Click on the images to maximize.

Roy of the Rovers - Comics Britannia

As shown on BBC 4 on September 17, 2007

The Match of the Day Years - September 1998

 

Click on the images to maximize.

Marks and Spencer signs Roy of the Rovers range

Gift line-up includes a mugs, socks, towels and a table football game.

Meld Group has today announced a new deal which will see a range of Roy of the Rovers gift merchandise sold in Marks and Spencer this Christmas.

The range includes: table football, blow football, key rings, quiz cards, hand warmers, a mug and socks, a trophy, a wallet, pinball and towel and will be available in Marks & Spencer stores and online from the end of September 2012.

Stephen Wilkins of Marks & Spencer said: “We instantly felt that Roy of the Rovers was right for our customers. His iconic image and timeless values make him stand out as an all-time comic hero; a true champion in the footballing world and one the nation can be proud of.”

David Riley, managing director of rights owner Egmont Publishing Group, explained: “Roy represents over 40 years of publishing heritage, and is a classic example of an evergreen brand. The soap opera of Roy’s life has engaged with fans young and old, and is as fresh today as ever. We are really excited to be kicking off our licensing programme with such a stunning range of gifting product.”

http://www.licensing.biz/news/9760/Marks-and-Spencer-signs-Roy-of-the-Rovers-range