For Alfie Kilgour, it is a dream come true to be Bristol Rovers' Club captain.
The centre-back led the Pirates out for their 2025/26 Sky Bet League Two season opener against Harrogate Town and was part of a defence that limited the Sulphurites' chances at The Memorial Stadium and were almost impenetrable in the first half.
The Pirates dominated the chances, with Promise Omochere and Taylor Moore going close to breaking the deadlock before the visitors gained the lead in the second half through Stephen Duke-McKenna's clever finish. Darrell Clarke's men pushed for a leveller, but could not find one, with Ellis Harrison going the closest when his low strike came off the post.
Speaking to BRTV after the fixture, Kilgour reflected on the disappointing defeat but admitted there were plenty of positives to take before speaking about his pride in being named the new Club captain.
So, Alfie, defeat here at The Mem today. How do you reflect on that one?
"Obviously disappointment first and foremost, but there are plenty of positives to take, and we can go back to the drawing board and onto next week. For 30 minutes, we absolutely dominated them, and put everything into that first 30, but it’s about consistency and carrying that on for the 90 minutes–for every minute that they ride the storm and time goes on, they’re just waiting for their one chance, and that happened today.
"So, I mean, disappointment, but I’m sure that throughout the course of the season we’re going to come away with games like that where maybe we’ve not deserved it and gone away from home and got a 1-0 win, 3 points, out of it. So, plenty of positives to take, and we move on and go back to the drawing board and continue the project next week."
Especially in the first half, the defence was solid and limited the opposition to hardly any chances. Is that something you can build on?
"I think when you’ve got such a handful in terms of our attacking threat upfront it takes the pressure off there. Us defenders, we’re not defending as much, we’re attacking, and the ball’s at the other end of the pitch, so to speak. We felt solid, we felt comfortable, and we’re always building relationships–Taylor, me, Clint and anyone who comes off the bench. Fitness will build, relationships will build, but we felt solid, we looked comfortable.
"It’s just about limiting them to as few chances as possible–I think they had one chance and had one goal. It will come–we had plenty of chances and the goals will come too."
After those 30 minutes, there was a slight lull in the game. Is it about now, trying to build it throughout the game, to keep creating those chances, so that the goals come?
"We absolutely battered them for the first 30 minutes, didn’t we? When you're in that position, you need to capitalise, and that can be from anyone–it can be from me popping up with a goal. Clint had a chance–it’s not just on the attackers and the strikers.
"It’s about capitalising in those key moments when you are pressing them and getting chances and attacks on goal, so I mean we’re obviously hurting and disappointed. To lose 1-0 to Harrogate at home is not ideal, but we take positives and we move on to next week.
You played against Coventry, but this was your return to The Mem for a competitive fixture. How does it feel to be back out in front of so many Gasheads?
"It’s very special, obviously, to be back at The Mem. Firstly, seeing my name and things like that is an amazing feeling. I remember when I was a young kid in the stands seeing someone else’s name so when it’s happening to you, it’s a bit surreal.
"To be back in this great ground in front of these amazing fans is amazing, and obviously my family–my girlfriend, my mum and dad, my sister–all there to support me is also a great feeling, and I’m very proud to be back representing this great Club on and off the pitch. As a top professional, always giving 110% is all I can do."
You’re representing the Club now as the Club captain. How much of an honour is that?
"It’s a massive honour. It’s an absolute privilege and, like I said, all I ever do is give 100% on and off the football pitch and represent this great Club as best as I can.
"Obviously, I’ve known the gaffer for a long time, so it’s a privilege and an honour that he’s got the trust in me as a footballer and as a person, a human being, to represent him and this Club and lead this Club on the pitch and off the pitch is a dream come true and a great honour."
