Chairmans Report July 2026
Bristol Rovers Former Players Association
Chairmans Annual Report 2026
As I write this report it is hard to believe that we have now entered our 10th year of being. Having been set up as the result of a request from Bristol Rovers in April 2017, thanks to a lot of hard work put in by Roger Brinsford in the early days, we have come a long way. Having now moved on from the tricky relationship that we had with the football club for a while not too long ago I am pleased to report that our relationship with them is as strong as ever.
Last year, mainly in conjunction with the Supporters Club and with thanks to Keith Brookman who took on most if not all of the organisation, we were able to host former players and their guests at our home fixtures. Many of these former players, or in some cases the families of those we had lost, were presented with their legacy caps and certificates in the presence of the other hospitality guests and on the pitch at half-time. Very often the half-time presentations were carried out by either Ritchie Bates or Ricky Martin. Without fail all of those attending told us how special it was to be acknowledged and thoroughly enjoyed their day. We are looking to not only continue this in the coming season but to expand and develop this by appointing ambassadors who can attend regularly. I’m sure Keith with keep us updated on developments.
On a disappointing note we were forced to cancel the Annual Dinner for the first time ever this year. We were very concerned at the lack of response from Former Players given that the above mentioned hospitality is freely taken with no cost to themselves and believe a little support in return is not too much to ask for, Further discussions on the best way forward are to be had as it would be a great shame should we not be able to hold another Dinner.
More positively, the Golf Day held on June 26th was a great success with 16 teams of 4 enjoying a fantastic day at the Kendleshire Golf Club including 22 former players which I think was the most ever. The sun shone on us all and we have received many appreciative comments.
As ever we also held a number of Blue Diamond lunches throughout the year including two held at the Quarters training ground at the invite of the Football Club, another example of our current healthy relationship with them. We continue to raise money for various charities, our latest recipients being Jack Sparks Just Giving page and MND, the exact amounts to be decided once we look at our accounts given that the Dinner cancellation cost us £1700!
Another great initiative in the last 12 months has been a number of visits to local care homes, again in conjunction with the Supporters Club. Myself, Keith and Clive Marshall along with Frankie Prince on occasion, have taken in memorabilia and spent and hour or two with residents discussing all things Bristol Rovers with them and helping them to share their past memories with us. We are looking to continue this next year as well as forming a Memory Club where people can visit us on a regular basis, ideally at the Memorial Stadium.
In closing can I once again thank all those that have worked so hard this year. I’ve already mentioned Keith who does so much including producing all of our website reports. Keith you are a star. We also couldn’t function without Mo who continues to defy her age and does such a great job as secretary especially when it comes to organising the lunches and dinners and having to deal with members who either don’t read or don’t respond to correspondence! Thanks once again Mo.
Also thanks to Clive and Alan who look after the books of the BRFPA and Blue Diamond Club respectively and keep a close eye on our accounts.
I look forward to working with you all again in the coming year.
Tony Mills
Chairman.
Bristol Rovers Former Players Association
Blue Diamond Club
2nd July 2026
