Football, of course, is a team game but it’s hard not to glamourise the role played by strikers, both now and in times gone by.
The Bristol Rovers team of today could certainly do with one or more of the strikers I’m about to mention; they scored goals for fun, loved what they did and, in many cases, have found it hard to give up the game they love.
Rovers’ supporters from the 1950’s and early 1960’s, my grandfather among them, would often tell of the prowess of strikers named Bradford and Biggs and what they brought to the team; what a shame we are unable to judge them for ourselves.
Since then, there has been a long line of goalscorers proud to pull on the blue and white quarters of our favourite team. To name them all would take a while, but here are a few to be going on with; Randall, Stephens, White (Steve and Devon) Taylor (John, Gareth and Matty), Penrice, Ellington, Cureton, Hayles, Roberts, Stewart, Lambert, Kuffour, Bodin, Gaffney, Collins and possibly Clarke, Pitman Martin in their prime.
Apologies to all those I’ve neglected to mention, but you will have the opportunity, on 12th September, to meet four of those named, to listen to tales of their careers and even have your photo taken with them.
Former Rovers’ Stadium General Manager Ian Holtby takes up the story; ‘I was fortunate to work with many of the strikers named above. It was a privilege to know them all and I have kept in touch with many of them even though it’s been a while since they turned out for Rovers.
‘I know how much Bristol Rovers means to so many of them and I am delighted that four of them, Paul Randall, Jamie Cureton, Barry Hayles and Rickie Lambert have agreed to come together to meet supporters for one evening only.
‘I know that they are all looking forward to the evening and to keep them in order and ensure the conversation flows, another Rovers great, Ian Holloway, will be hosting the evening and attempting to keep everyone in check!
‘I hope that many Rovers supporters, past and present, will join us at the BAWA Club, Filton, on the evening of 12th September. The cost is £60 for a VIP ticket, which includes a curry, and photo with the stars of the evening as well as a private room from the time the doors open at 6:30pm. A Silver ticket, which doesn’t include food, photo or private room, costs £30’
Tickets can be purchased here
https://plmevents.co.uk/an-evening-with-bristol-rovers-strikers/
For the record, the four strikers in attendance appeared in 606 league games for Rovers and scored 199 goals between them and all are still involved in the game.
Jamie Cureton is now manager of Cambridge City, Paul Randall still plays walking football, Barry Hayles was in the England Veterans side that won this years’ World Cup, the fifth time he has tasted victory with the senior lions! Rickie Lambert who, of course, won England caps after leaving the Mem, is also still involved in the game, as Academy Youth Development coach at Wigan Athletic.
Tickets are going fast for this one off event, so make sure you get yours before they are all gone!
Thanks to Ian, the Supporters Club will be presenting caps, to commemorate their Bristol Rovers league debuts, to Jamie Cureton and Rickie Lambert.