Three years ago, Bristol Rovers Supporters Club decided they would like to recognise the services/achievements of players who, down the years, have represented the Bristol Rovers in the English Football League (EFL) as it’s now known.
Based on a scheme initiated by West Bromwich Albion, it was decided to award a cap to any player who had made at least one appearance in the EFL for Bristol Rovers.
A total of 1,020 players have now made their league debut for the club and we have been presenting caps at a number of functions; by the end of the current season our aim is to have presented 150, so there’s a long way to go!
On Tuesday 12th November, accompanied by Tony Mills, who is chairman of the Former Players Association, Helen Wigmore, Martin Hudd and Keith Brookman were guests of Yate Town Football Club for their game against Mousehole.
We were delighted that Yate agreed to allow us to present three caps prior to kick off, to Lucas Tomlinson, Paul Tovey and Darren Mullings.
Lucas made his Rovers debut at Portman Road, Ipswich, in a 2-1 win on 14th December 2019, a victory that saw Rovers move up to third place in the League One standings and also marked the final game in charge for manager Graham Coughlan.
Lucas was the 931st player to make his Rovers league debut and is currently playing for Yate.
Paul made his Rovers league debut on April 9th 1994 in a 2-0 defeat against Swansea
City at The Vetch. Prior to that match Paul had been an ever present in the youth side for two seasons and had appeared in 25 reserve team games in the side that clinched the Neville Ovenden League Second Division title in 1993/93.
During his time with Rovers Paul, who became the 586th player to appear for the club in the league, made a total of 10 league appearances. Paul is now assistant manager of Yate.
Darren, who is now Yate’s manager, made the first of his four league appearances for Rovers against Wycombe Wanderers on 31st 
December 2005, a game at The Memorial Stadium that ended in a 2-1 defeat.
An England Schools U-18 international and an England Colleges player, Darren was a graduate of Rovers’ Filton Academy and was the 747th player to represent Rovers in the league.
The caps were presented by Helen and Martin and our thanks go to Yate and in particular Bob Chester (Yate’s programme editor)who along with Tony Mills arranged the presentation on our behalf.
Following the presentation we were able to see Yate and Mousehole play out a 1-1 draw, though we were all of the opinion that the home side would have taken all three points had they taken some of the chances they created in the second half.
We were treated to a thoroughly enjoyable evening and Bristol Rovers Supporters Club would like to wish Yate Town continued success this season.