Thanks to all supporters who have already taken out a sponsorship of a cap of one of the members of the Watney Cup squad, and to those who have expressed an interest in sponsoring other players at a future date.
For now, though, we are concentrating on the members of the Watney Cup squad, who lifted the trophy fifty years ago when they beat Sheffield United 7-6 in a penalty shootout at Eastville.
If you have considered sponsoring a cap for any member of that squad, it’s not too late; you have until 23rd August to confirm your sponsorship.
Although only 12 players featured in the three Watney Cup fixtures 50 years ago, all members of the squad appeared in the Football League for Rovers and are therefore eligible to receive a cap under this unique initiative devised by Bristol Rovers Supporters Club.
We will be reminding you, quite often, who is available for sponsorship, and remember that there is no exclusivity in this; there is no limit to how many supporters can sponsor one player and the cost is £50 for Supporters Club members and £60 for non members.
If you are interested, please contact the Supporters Club secretary with the name of the player you would like to sponsor and you will then be sent details of how to pay for your sponsorship. Contact details are as follows; secretary@bristolroverssc.co.uk
Here’s a reminder of four members of that squad.
Although he didn’t appear in the competition, Rovers legend Harold Jarman was a member of the squad. He made his debut on 26th December 1959 against Swansea Town (as they were back then) and he was the 345th player to appear for the club in the league. His Rovers career took in 452 league games and 127 league goals.
Bryn Jones was sent on as a substitute in the final and scored in the penalty shootout. His Rovers debut was on 30th September 1969, against Tranmere Rovers (debut number 404).
John Rudge was also in the squad, though didn’t feature in any of the games. Now the Port Vale club President, he made his Rovers debut against Walsall on 26th February 1972 (debut number 415) and appeared in 70 league games for the club, scoring 17 goals in the process.
Eighteen goals in 58 league appearances was the Rovers league record of Alexander ‘Sandy’ Allan who made his debut on 21st March 1970, against Walsall (debut number 407). He also played in the final against Sheffield United.