 |
 |
| LONDON MONARCHS Based:
Wembley Stadium, London (1991-1992), White Hart Lane, Tottenham, London (1995-1996),
Stamford Bridge, Chelsea, London (1997) 1997 WLAF 4-6-0
Team Notes: On August 3rd 1990, London was awarded the eighth franchise in the new 12-team World League of American Football, the first major professional sports league to stage regular season games on two continents. Known as the 'Monarchs', the team's first home was Wembley Stadium, their first general manager was Billy Hicks and their first player was British running back Victor X Ebubedike, now known as Victor Muhammad. On March 23rd 1991, in the opening game in World League history, the Monarchs defeated the Frankfurt Galaxy 24-11. Led by coach Larry Kennan, who had been the offensive co-ordinator of the Indianapolis Colts before coming to the UK, the team marched to a 9-1 regular season record, drawing an average crowd of over 40,000 to their home games. Among the club's big name players were QB Stan Gelbaugh, safety Dedrick 'The Blade' Dodge, linebackers Danny Lockett and Marlon 'Space Dog' Brown, defensive tackle Roy Hart, running back Judd Garrett and receiver Jon Horton. On June 9th 1991, Wembley hosted World Bowl '91, the league's championship game, and 61,108 partisan fans cheered as London were crowned the World League's first champions, avenging their only loss of the season by defeating the Barcelona Dragons 21-0. During that first season, the English kicker Phil Alexander kicked 8 of 13 field-goals and added 37 extra points to be voted kicker and Operation Discovery player on the All-World League First Team. Ebubedike rushed for 64 yards and 1 touchdown on 12 carries and chipped in with 16 special teams tackles to be named the Operation Discovery player on the All-World League Second Team. After losing many top players and Kennan to the NFL before the start of the '92 season, London struggled to a 2-7-1 record under new head coach Ray Willsey, who had been defensive co-ordinator of the '91 team. The Sacramento Surge won World Bowl '92 in Montreal, beating the Orlando Thunder 21-17. Hicks resigned as GM. In September 1992, the World League suspended operations and announced plans to restructure the league with an all-European format. Gareth Moores was named as the club's second general manager and the World League returned in 1995 as a joint venture between the NFL and America's Fox TV with six European teams. Playing their home games at White Hart Lane - home of Tottenham Hotspur FC - and coached by former NFL running back Bobby Hammond, the Monarchs finished with a 4-6 record, averaging crowds of 10,400. The Frankfurt Galaxy won World Bowl '95 in Amsterdam, defeating the hometown Admirals 26-22.
 British RB Trevor Carthy  Nigel Hoyte  Victor Ebubideke scores  Monarchs win World Bowl I The 1996 season was a difficult one for the Monarchs, who began the campaign in a blaze of publicity following the signing of former Chicago Bears defender William 'Refrigerator' Perry. Hammond was released after opening the season with two losses but his replacement - offensive co-ordinator Lionel Taylor - steadied the ship as the team rallied to a 4-6 record. London's attendances rose by 25 per cent.In December 1996, Stamford Bridge, the home of Chelsea FC, was named as the Monarchs new venue. London had played the final game of 1996 at the stadium and attracted over 11,000 fans. 1997 began with Alton Byrd being appointed as the team's third general manager following the resignation of Moores in December. Just days later, Muhammad created history when he was named as a London national player for the fifth straight season - a World League record. However, once again the Monarchs could only manage a 4-6 record as injuries took a heavy toll particularly at quarterback where five different players were used. Two of the few high points of the difficult season were a pair of victories over arch rivals the Scottish Claymores. The final game of the 1997 season saw Taylor reappointed as head coach for the following year. The off-season was a momentous one in the franchise's history with the name being changed to 'England Monarchs' in October. It was also announced that the team would play at three different home venues in 1998 - three games at Crystal Palace National Sports Centre (south London), one at Ashton Gate Stadium (Bristol) and another at Alexander Stadium (Birmingham). Led by QB Stan Gelbaugh, the Monarchs dominated WLAF competition on their way to the 1991 World Bowl Trophy. Gelbaugh returned to the Monarchs in 1992, but he was unable to find the success he found in 1991. After almost putting together a perfect season in 1991, London fell to the bottom of the European Division in their second season. In 1998 they became known as the English Monarchs, but at the end of that season the Monarchs were withdrawn as a NFL Europe side and the Berlin Thunder took their place. Victor Muhammad, who had spent all six seasons with the Monarchs before retiring after the 1998 campaign compiled career figures of 116 carries for 416 yards and 4 touchdowns. |
|
