Tributes paid to Rovers legend Bobby

By Andy Mitchell

STAR: Bobby Hope

STAR turns and off-field stalwarts have lauded legendary ex-Bromsgrove Rovers manager Bobby Hope, who died last week aged 78.

Having won the FA Cup and League Cup with West Brom in the 60s, the former Scotland international originally headed to the Victoria Ground as a player before taking the reins in March 1982.

He guided Rovers to titles at both levels of the Southern League across two spells in charge, following the Premier Division crown in 1992 with a club-record second place finish in the Conference.

He managed Burton Albion for a year in between.

He also guided Bromsgrove to within three minutes of scalping Barnsley in the FA Cup third round in 1994.

Martin O’Connor shone at Bromsgrove and became a hero at Walsall and Birmingham City, describing friend and mentor Hope as his “saviour in many ways”.

“I’m devastated, gutted and sad because this man was the one who made me believe I could be someone,” he said.

John Gayle also featured for Rovers prior to a professional career.

“He was a mountain in my life,” tweeted Gayle.

“He believed in me when others didn’t. He was the father figure I would turn to. I’m gutted and deeply sad.”

Dave Stephens is secretary at Bromsgrove Sporting, formed when it became apparent Rovers would collapse, and served on the ground staff at Rovers during Hope’s tenure.

“Bobby was a pretty quiet guy,” he recalled. “Alongside Dougy (Griffiths, assistant) it was a match made in heaven. Bob was the quiet one and Dougy was more vociferous.

“Bobby had time for anybody and was a thoroughly decent bloke. He brought the best times there have ever been at Bromsgrove.

We didn’t know how good we had it. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.”