We all want to see the potential of our famous and long established football club being realised in 21st century facilities. Facilities that befits the size of our city and of our region, our geographical location and of our massive support base. What happens at other football clubs, either close to home or further afield, is for them. My sole interest is that of Bristol Rovers, the club that I have supported from a small child and one that my family has supported for over 100 years.

It is very pleasing to announce that the Supporters Club Executive Committee has agreed to sponsor Chris Hargreaves and his newly formed under-21 group of players. I have long held the view that the gap between youth football and first team fringe is too big. Young players get a good amount of game time at under-18 level but this can be greatly reduced up to the time of eventual breakthrough into the first team group. Many talented players are lost during this transition. With more competitive game time between 18 and 21, players with have greater opportunity to develop and to realise their potential.

My pre-season has been taken up by mostly supporting Chris and his under-21 group of players and players on trial. From Yate to Taunton, Mangotsfield to Corinthian Casuals I have seen the belief and hard work going into the group. Chris and his players need to play their matches in decent surrounding and to train, in preparation, on a full sized playing area for some part of the week at least.

Thanks to our supporters, to Phil and his volunteer sellers and to Jim and his Executive Committee they will be able to do just that.

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