I wrote in my previous column that the Supporters Club is committed to help finance the Rovers’ Development Squad again this season, which is only the second time round for the Central League Champions.
Last Thursday week they performed here at the ‘Mem’ in a qualifying round of the Premier League Cup and unfortunately Chris Hargreaves’ men were narrowly defeated by Exeter City and so will take no further part in that competition which is a shame but not a disgrace as the ‘Grecians’ have been running their development squad for several seasons now. Rovers were depleted by the absence of both Michael Kelly and Luke Russe who were of course on duty with Darrell’s first team squad at Loftus Road and the New Meadow and perhaps they did not quite perform to their usual high standard. Having said that, providing players for the first team is just what the Development Squad is all about – trophies are secondary!
It was good to see a healthy crowd here though for a hard fought encounter and I hope that many more of you will follow the team’s League progress at Yate Town’s Lodge Road over the coming winter. To my mind a good Academy and Development programme is just what is required for a club of our stature if we are to progress. Please keep supporting the 50/50 Draw and our other activities to help us to help the Rovers in turn!
Jim Chappell.