The latest from Rovers Chairman, Nick Higgs!
Our second home game of the week sees us take on Accrington Stanley and I hope that afterwards we will be talking about the quality of the football served up rather than decisions that might have affected the course of the match.Our game against Oxford United last Sunday was shaping up to be an intriguing encounter, but of course we had to regroup following the red card issued to Ollie Clarke early on. In spite of that, I was very impressed with the performance we put in, even with ten men, as there were genuine moments of quality during the 90 minutes.
Thankfully Ollie's red card was rescinded just a few days later, meaning that he is eligible for selection this afternoon.
Our players were back at The Memorial Stadium early the following day as we gathered for the annual team photo and it's a shame that we had to go ahead without Jake Gosling being present. As you are aware he was away on international duty, representing Gibraltar.
He won his tenth cap for his country on Monday, against Poland, and although his side were well beaten he had the satisfaction of scoring a superb late consolation goal and on behalf of everyone at the club I would like to offer our congratulations on such an outstanding strike.
On Tuesday evening a young Bristol Rovers side made the short trip up to Cirencester for a first round Gloucestershire Challenge Cup tie and won 5-2 to go through to the next round where they will face Mangotsfield United.
I know that assistant manager Marcus Stewart was delighted with the performance and he was particularly pleased with the attitude of the two senior professionals in the starting lineup, Christian Montano and Billy Bodin.
Although their first team appearances have been limited to date they have quickly become part of a squad that has developed a unique team spirit and their enthusiasm and attitude is sure to rub off on the younger players who played alongside them on Tuesday.
Our return to the Football League has seen an increase in the number of supporters coming through the door at Pirate Leisure. This has meant that we have seen a large increase in the sales of season tickets and leisurewear in particular and I would like to thank Kay and Clare and their team of dedicated volunteers for all of their hard work.
I know that Darrell has touched on it in his notes, but your support last Sunday was better than ever and the way you got behind the team throughout the match was superb and it was so pleasing to see so many of you remain after the final whistle to applaud the players off. On behalf of us all, thank you.