FAN-TASTIC
BY DARREN STOBBS
Name: Mike Branton
Area from: Keynsham, Bristol
When did you start watching Rovers?
1987
Favourite player(s) since watching Rovers?
Ian Holloway
Favourite manager(s)?
Gerry Francis
Most memorable game watching Rovers?
Wednesday 2nd May 1990 at Twerton Park. Rovers 3 – 0 v Bristol City leading up to
the championship season.
Most memorable goal?
21st April 2003, Andy Rammell's goal away at the Kassam Stadium, Oxford United.
A fantastic strike which helped keep Rovers up that season.
Favourite away ground?
Elland Road, Leeds United, always a fantastic atmosphere.
Worst away ground?
Holker Street, Barrow AFC, bad memory of Sean Rigg suffering a double fractured
jaw there, bleak ground after a very long journey, a terrible match day experience.
How do you rate the season so far?
It’s been a very hard watch. Unfortunately, the return of Darrell Clarke who inherited
a poor squad, did not work out for him or the club. I wish him well for the future.
How do you see the season ending up?
Steve Evans has been tremendous since he joined the club as Manager, and I am
confident he will keep Rovers in League 2 (Mike mentioned this two weeks ago!)
Any funny/unusual stories at Rovers?
When l played football, Rovers legend Peter Hooper was my Manager at Dayspace
United FC.
The two photos shown (top and bottom) in this article are:
1. From a pub in Chelsea when Rovers put in a great effort, only losing by the
odd goal at 3-2 in the League Cup. I can't believe that was nearly 10 years
ago! Mike is on the far left, along with three of his sons, myself and my Dad.
2. After the famous 7-0 win v Scunthorpe at The Mem to secure promotion in
2022 under Joey Barton. Mike is on the far right in this photo.
