The latest from Bristol Rovers Chairman, Nick Higgs!
My last programme notes were written for the home game against Portsmouth on 26th September, and so much has happened since then.We suffered another home defeat that day but we have bounced back in style, having won all four games played since that day.
The football played in the first half of the match at Hartlepool, just a few days after the Portsmouth match, was some of the best I have seen from a Rovers side in a long time, and we registered a well deserved 3-0 win.
Then it was on to Morecambe, where the 4-3 victory was a lot more convincing than the scoreline suggests, before we beat Wycombe Wanderers in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy here at The Memorial Stadium.
We were on our travels again last Saturday, and picked up another three points from a remarkable game against Mansfield Town. It was certainly a dramatic afternoon, and to score the winning goal in the eighth minute of added time made for a great journey back home.
We did, of course, have a weekend off in between the Wycombe and Mansfield games due to the fact that we had three players on international duty and I would like to congratulate Jake Gosling, Ellis Harrison and Tom Lockyer who all featured, for Gibraltar and Wales respectively.
Ellis and Tom, of course, spent time in our Academy before being offered their first professional contracts and last week Alfie Kilgour also joined the pro ranks, having been in our Academy since he was eight years old. Our Academy staff should be very proud of the part they have played in the development of all three players and I'm sure they take great pride in seeing them continue their progress with the first team squad.
Darrell has restructured his backroom team in the last few weeks with Steve Yates taking on the new role of Coach and Recruitment Consultant, and Marco Carota joining us and taking over the duties of kit manager. I would like to take this opportunity of wishing both Steve and Marco every success in their respective roles.
I can't end these notes without thanking you all for your continued support for Darrell and the team. Three of our last four games have involved very lengthy journeys and to take almost 200 supporters to Hartlepool on a Tuesday night, almost 400 to Morecambe just a few days later and over 800 to Mansfield last Saturday was truly incredible.
Everyone involved with the club appreciates your incredible support, and I thank you all.