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 two more members of that squad.
Peter Higgins is listed in the programme for the final and I am assuming that he was also a non playing member of the Watney Cup squad, though he doesn’t appear on any of the photos I have from the game. He made his Rovers debut on 8th March 1969, the first of his 37 league appearances for the club (debut number399). He also scored five league goals during his time at Eastville.
Another player, Gordon Fearnley, is not listed in the programme for the final but was obviously a member of the squad as he can be seen in the celebration photos taken in the dressing room after the game. Signed from Sheffield Wednesday, he made his debut against Barnsley on 16th March 1971 (debut number 410) and he went on to score 21 goals in 120 league games for the club.
Gordon passed away in June 2015 and his cap will be presented to his family.