The latest from Bristol Rovers Chairman, Nick Higgs
We arrive at the final day of the season still hoping we can pip Barnet to the Vanarama Conference title.At one stage of the season Barnet were eleven points in front of us. However a superb effort has seen us, at various times, draw level with, and overtake our title rivals who maintain a one point advantage as we go into the final 9o minutes of the campaign.
Our destiny might have been in our own hands had it not been for that very late Dover Athletic equaliser last Saturday, but we that’s behind us now and all our focus is on this afternoon’s match.
We aim to pick up a win and hope that Barnet drop points against Gateshead. I’m sure that while we will all be getting behind the team out on the pitch, we will have more than a passing interest in what’s happening at The Hive!
Whatever the outcome this afternoon, I would like to thank Darrell and his backroom team, as well as the players, for the way they have gone about their business this season. To lose only five league games and remain unbeaten in 20 away games is a remarkable record at any level.
Thanks, also, go to each and every one of you for the way you have supported the side. Last Saturday, not for the first time this season, our supporters outnumbered the home fans and there are many clubs at this level, and in Leagues One and Two, who are extremely envious of our support.
I would like to congratulate Stuart Sinclair and Tom Lockyer, who picked up the Young Pirates Awards for Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year respectively at our last home game and this afternoon sees the Supporters Club and Presidents Club present their awards before the match.
In addition, club historians Mike Jay and Stephen Byrne will be presenting us with a framed photo of the Rovers side who were crowned Southern League Champions 110 years ago today, while we will be making a presentation to a group of supporters from CE Sabadell, a Spanish side who also play in blue and white quarters.
Two more former Rovers players, Bruce Bannister and Alan Warboys, along with local footballer John Gibbs will be receiving the Harry Bamford Trophy and it will be nice to see ‘Smash & Grab’ once again.
This afternoon we will be remembering the 56 victims of the Bradford City Fire Disaster, the 30th anniversary of which falls on 11th May. A one minute silence will be observed prior to kick off here at the Memorial Stadium and grounds throughout the country.