Zamora, Williams and Basford; the sequel!

By Keith Brookman

My recent article  READ IT HERE >>>  on three former Rovers trainees provoked a reaction from some of those mentioned

 

The infamous 1997 Youth Team photo, complete with great fashion sense!   [Photo Credit Alan Marshall]

 

Luke Basford, for example, got in touch to explain that he hadn’t been released by Rovers but that he turned down the offer of a new deal and told me that; ‘After 20 games what I was offered wasn’t, in my opinion, enough. I had a great time in Bristol and wanted to stay, but felt I couldn’t.’

I have sent Luke some photos of his time with us and am pleased to report that he is the latest former player to become a member of the Bristol Rovers Former Players Association.

The article was liked by Bobby Zamora on his Twitter account, whilst a few days after publication Luke Williams left Bristol City to become the new assistant manager of MK Dons so we’ll see him on the touchline at Stadium MK on New Year’s Day.

There was a little bit of banter on Twitter regarding Ray Johnston. There were some not entirely complimentary remarks from his current club Hallen AFC, and from one of his former clubs, Odd Down FC, but I’m sure the former Gas goalie will respond!

There were also Facebook comments from Tony Court and James French who featured in one of the team photos in the article, mostly about their fashion sense from back then.

It’s always good to hear from those with Rovers connections and who have spent time with the Gas.  Any player who has appeared in a first team game qualifies to become a full member of the Former Players Association, whilst those who didn’t will be made welcome as associate members.  First Team staff are also given full membership.

We would be delighted to hear from any first team staff or any former players whether they played first team, reserve team or youth team football for the club, so please get in touch.