Three down, three up

At the AGM of the Football League it was decided by a majority vote to amend the rulings regarding promotion and relegation between the First and Second Divisions. This is intended to create more interest throughout the season, and means that three clubs will be relegated and promoted at the end.

Like some other clubs the Hammers had mixed opinions on the subject, but must abide by the majority decision which equally affects all those in membership of the upper sections. It may, of course, ensure that one or more clubs are "doomed" earlier in the campaign, but will certainly extend anxiety to several others who are on the fringe of the bottom three places.

There will be no guarantee that (as in the old days) 36 points will probably ensure safety!

Value Added Tax (VAT)

Value Added Tax came into operation on the 1st April 1973, but was not added to the admission prices for the balance of last season - the cost being borne out of gate income.

However, it was obvious that for this season it would be nesessary to increase charges in order to meet the demands of V.A.T.

BRISTOL ROVERS : Watney Invitation Cup (First Round)

Watney Invitation Cup

Eastville

1 - 1 (MacDougall) Lost 4-5 on penalties

11th August 1973

Att: 19,974

Ferguson

McDowell (Lock)

Lampard

Bonds

Taylor T.

Moore

Ayris (Tyler)

Holland

MacDougall

Brooking

Robson

Manager: Ron Greenwood