WAY BEFORE THEY WERE ROGUES: CELEBRITY EDITION

In the summer of 1967 club teams from around the world were invited to represent selected U.S. cities in the NPSL (National Professional Soccer League). This was an effort to boost the poularity of soccer in the United States.  The Wolverhampton Wanderers of England were chosen to represent Los Angeles and became the "L.A. Wolves."  Among these players was future Rogue Bobby Thomson.  The photo above was taken by the pool at the Sheraton Hotel in Los Angeles.  The Wolves players shown are (LtoR) Les Wilson, Dave Wagstaffe, Ernie Hunt, Graham Hawkins, and Bobby Thomson.  The shirtless, jeans wearer in the front is Davy Jones of the Monkees.  Jones knew Dave Wagstaffe from his early days in Manchester.  When the players arrived in Los Angeles Davy Jones met up with them and spent time in their company.  They were treated to shopping trips and studio visits to watch tapings of the Monkees show.  The L.A. Wolves finished their U.S. season by winning the NPSL championship.

BOBBY THOMSON, 1980

Bobby Thomson (L) is challenged by the L.A. Aztecs Poli Garcia during the 1980 season.  The Aztecs got the win over the Rogues 3-2.

TONY AND BOBBY, 1978

Tony Field (F) celebrates his goal against the New York Cosmos with teammate Bobby Thomson.

BOBBY THOMSON ARTICLE, 1978

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JOHN, PHIL, AND BOBBY, 1978

 

Rogues defenders John Faulkner, Phil Beal, and Bobby Thomson.

EDDIE McCREADIE, 1978

 Coach Eddie McCreadie gives overtime instructions to the troops in the first Rogues home game against Philadelphia.  In the end the Fury came out on top 3-2.

BEFORE THEY WERE ROGUES

1979-80 NASL INDOOR WESTERN CONFERENCE CHAMPIONS

Rogues assistant coach Bobby Thomson (L), head coach Charlie Cooke (C), and general manager Rudi Schiffer display the 1979-80 NASL Indoor Western Conference Championship Trophy.

BOBBY THOMSON'S 1978 HOME JERSEY

BOBBY THOMSON, 1978

BEFORE THEY WERE ROGUES

Bobby Thomson

BEFORE THEY WERE ROGUES

Team photo of the 1976 Hartford Bicentennials featuring future Rogues Bobby Thomson, Henry McCully, Hugh O'Neill, and Gene DuChateau.

BEFORE THEY WERE ROGUES

Bobby Thomson (4) tangles with Pele during the New York Cosmos vs Connecticut Bicentennials match played July 31, 1977 at Giants' Stadium.  The Cosmos won 3 - 1.  Bobby moved to the Rogues the following season.

MORE ROGUES FAN MEMORIES!

Rogues fan Bill sent me these great photos from the Rogues fan day on August 2, 1978, just prior to the home game against the California Surf.  Bill was seven years old (he's the one in the tank top) and attended the game with his brother, sister, and father.  The players pictured are:  Henry "Mad Dog" McCully (12), John Houska (20), Neil "Beep, Beep" Smillie (4), Tony Field (10), and Bobby "B.T. Express" Thomson (2).  Bill, thanks very much for sharing these great photos!  It is really appreciated!  If anyone else has any Rogues related photos, please e-mail them to me at gorogues@gmail.com.

BOBBY THOMSON vs TULSA, 1978

Bobby Thomson (L) heads away from the Roughnecks' Don O' Riordan and Charlie Mitchell (6).

BOBBY THOMSON'S 1980 ROGUES ROAD JERSEY