Statement from Geoff
It is with great sadness that on Sunday 17th August I resigned as a director of Bristol Rovers for personal reasons.My family have been pressuring me to step down for a while. I did resign in February of this year, when the team was moving up the League 2 table, but I was persuaded to stay on by the Chairman and Toni Watola.
Relegation was a great disappointment to me after nearly 30 years of service to Bristol Rovers, and I am still not over the pain of it.
Nick Higgs and the board have my support in turning the club around. I believe they will provide a new stadium in South Gloucestershire, and return us to League 2, but they need the continued support of everyone to do this. I am sure they will succeed.
The club is back in non league as it was in the early 1900's and that is totally unacceptable. The team needs solid and positive support and time to change to winning ways. It is so easy to get on their backs, but please give the players every encouragement. No-one can do a decent job without valued support.
My participation over the last two years has dwindled to mostly giving financial support and I hope the board can find someone young and energetic to replace me. In Chris Jelf and Edward Ware the club have two people who can lead us to better things. They are prepared to work hard with Nick to bring about a change in our fortunes. It will not happen overnight, but please show patience.
On behalf of my family, I thank my fellow directors, staff and supporters for their friendship and help over the years.
To all Gasheads, please back your team in their hour of need. Positivity is so important.
Thank you
Geoff Dunford