Derek Hardwell
In the first of a new series Supporters Club Committee member Darren Stobbs chats with Derek Hardwell
When did you start watching Rovers?
My father took me to watch Rovers vs QPR in a Third Division match at Eastville on Boxing Day 1964 and Rovers won 3 – 1. The attendance was 17,698. How times have changed!
Favourite player(s) since watching Rovers?
I have fond memories of many players over the years. The likes of Harold Jarman, Alfie Biggs, Brian Godfrey and Alan Warboys and from the early days spring to mind. If I had to name my favourite Rovers player, it would be a difficult choice between Wayne Jones and Rickie Lambert.
Most memorable game(s) watching Rovers?
Rovers played some great League Cup games in the 1970s against the likes of Newcastle Utd, Norwich City and Manchester Utd but the match that stands out for me was the one in November 1971 against Stoke City. We had an excellent side at that point – but so did Stoke! I vividly remember a save made by Gordon Banks in front of the Tote End when he dived full length to keep out a Robin Stubbs shot. Playing against higher level opponents under the Eastville lights were special times for Rovers fans.
Seeing Rovers beat Manchester Utd at Old Trafford 2 – 1 in October 1972 in a League Cup replay with Dick Sheppard saving a George Best penalty was another highlight.
However, the most memorable match I have seen the Gas play was when we had to win the final game of the 2006/2007 season away to Hartlepool Utd to secure a place in the play-offs. After going behind in the first half, a Richard Walker penalty and a late winner from Rickie Lambert in front of the travelling Gas fans sealed the play off place wanted. Memories of the noise and celebrations at the end of the match will stay with me forever.
Most memorable goal(s)
Sammy Igoe at Wembley, anyone? The ball seemed to take forever to cross the line but what a way to seal promotion.
Rickie scored some crackers, too, and the volley away to Luton Town stands out for me.
Favourite away ground
Craven Cottage. The perfect blend of the old and new which makes for a great atmosphere. We played Fulham in a January 2008 in a 3rd Round FA Cup tie and earned a well-deserved 2-2 draw. Chris Lines’ free kick was headed home by Craig Hinton in front of 7000 delirious Rovers fans. Brilliant!
How do you see the season planning out?
I regard this season as being one of transition. Last season was awful to watch, and major changes in leadership, tactics and playing staff were urgently needed. I would like to see the foundations laid for a team which can make a meaningful push for promotion if not this season, then certainly next.
How do you rate the season so far?
Pretty much as I expected really. The defence has been replaced in its entirety and other players have been drafted in ahead of it so it will take time for the team to gel and for consistency to be achieved. I see positive signs already and the new additions acquired in the transfer window give me hope that we will, at long last, see the energy and speed we have been lacking for so long in and around the midfield area. I am optimistic that we will have a good season and that DC will motivate the players to get the best out of them.
Any funny/unusual stories at Rovers?
I have always watched Rovers’ home matches, whether they have been at Eastville, Twerton or the Mem, from near the halfway line opposite the dugouts.
