Please see below the report from Supporters Club Treasurer Clive Marshall, which will be presented at our AGM on 12th November. The meeting, at The Memorial Stadium, commences at 7.00pm
Bristol Rovers Supporters Club
Treasurer’s Report – 2025/26
I am pleased to report that we have maintained our focus on sound financial management in an ever changing economic environment.
From rising costs affecting the goods we sell in our matchday shops, to the increasing challenges of handling cash as high street banking services continue to disappear, we have had to adapt to changing circumstances.
More recently, we have also seen a significant change involving Eagle Coaches, our trusted away travel partner for many years, following its acquisition by First Bus.
Our focus is not simply on reacting to change, but on managing it, ensuring that we remain financially sustainable while continuing to deliver the projects and initiatives we support throughout the Bristol Rovers family, funded through membership, commercial activities and fundraising.
Away Travel
Our away travel expenditure during the 2025/26 season totalled £32,889.50, demonstrating the scale of this important part of our operations.
With the change of ownership of a key travel partner, Martin Hudd and Darren Stobbs, our Travel Team worked to protect our existing arrangements and ensure the Supporters Club could continue to provide an affordable and reliable service to travelling supporters.
Commercial Activities
Our purchase of the Crossed Swords (1883) trademark in 2024 has been an important step in developing our commercial activities.
Working alongside Gary Brindle, our Commercial Manager, we have continued to improve and expand the range of merchandise available through our match-day shops. Many supporters will have noticed the growing variety of products, combining new merchandise with traditional and retro items that celebrate Bristol Rovers’ history and identity.
The acquisition of the Crossed Swords trademark has played a key role in allowing us to develop this area further.
Another significant contribution to our commercial success has been the introduction of our new matchday programme.
Keith Brookman, our Secretary and Club Historian, together with Gary Brindle, has worked tirelessly to produce a programme that we can be proud of. Supporters have welcomed it, and it has also generated additional income that can be reinvested into future projects.
The time, commitment, and professionalism that Keith and Gary have invested in the programme cannot be overstated, and I would like to thank them both for their outstanding efforts.
Supporting Our Bristol Rovers Family
Your committee’s positive, forward thinking approach has enabled us to continue supporting a wide range of projects, organisations, and individual fundraising initiatives throughout the Bristol Rovers family.
During the year, we have supported Her Game Too, our own Marcus Stewart and the fight against Motor Neurone Disease, together with the Bristol Rovers Community Trust and fundraising efforts by individual supporters.
Our main project during the 2025/26 financial year was undoubtedly the Pirate Deck, which I believe represents one of the largest projects the Supporters Club has funded in several years.
The competition held last summer brought tremendous excitement and enjoyment to many younger Rovers supporters. Working alongside the Presidents Club, we were delighted to see the project completed to such a high standard.
It is particularly rewarding to know that this investment will continue to benefit future generations of young Gasheads for many years to come.
Looking Ahead
At the time of writing, the new financial year is already well underway, and we have continued to demonstrate our commitment to improving the matchday experience for supporters.
We have funded the cladding of the wheelchair bay in the West Stand, now named the John Kayes Memorial Bay, in honour of a former committee member and dedicated fundraiser whose work with the Tote End Old Boys will be fondly remembered by many.
It is a fitting tribute to someone who gave so much of his time to supporting Bristol Rovers and its supporters.
We have also recently commenced a three year sponsorship agreement with the Bristol Rovers Community Trust, reflecting our commitment to supporting the valuable work undertaken within our wider community.
More to follow; your continued support and membership are key to helping us support our greater Bristol Rovers family.
Clive Marshall
Treasurer
Bristol Rovers Supporters Club
5th November 2026