Player Profile: Michael Betts

Now we take a look at the second midfielder you voted as Rovers Greatest of All-Time,  Michael Betts.

Photo from https://homepage.eircom.net/~sligoroverssc/

The Barnsley born midfielder, son of Manchester City's Barry Betts,  was signed by Billy Sinclair in 1976 to strengthen to squad in hope of meeting their title ambitions.

Although the 19-year-old only played in the old 2nd division for Blackpool, he settled into the Rovers midfield almost immedietely and he slotted in beside Tony Fagan. Throughtout the season, Betts done much of the attacking while 'Fago' done the defensive work.

His job was to create the chances for strikers Mick Leonard and Gary Hulmes, but the midfielder notched up a few goals himself, scoring 5 League goals and 2 Cup goals.

Betts creativity in midfield was a key factor in the way the team played which landed their 2nd League Title in the club's history. He left after one season to join Shamrock Rovers, and missed out on taking part in the Bit O'Red's first ever European venture.

Although he only spent one season at The Showgrounds, he was a very important player and managing to get in ahead of Tony Fagan in the All-Time XI shows just how big a player he was in short space of time here.