The second club we meet in our "League One - An Introduction" is
Bristol Rovers
Memorial Stadium
Filton Avenue
Horfield
Bristol
BS7 0BF
www.bristolrovers.co.uk
2008/2009 Season
Apart from two of the promoted clubs (Leicester City and Scunthorpe United) and MK Dons who lost out in the Play Offs, The Pirates were the division's top scorers amassing 79 goals.
|
HOME |
AWAY |
|
|
W |
D |
L |
F |
A |
W |
D |
L |
F |
A |
Pts |
|
11 |
4 |
8 |
44 |
29 |
6 |
8 |
9 |
35 |
32 |
63 |
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Leading Scorer
By far and away the top scorer was Rickie Lambert who notched 29 goals in the League, equalled only by former Bees loanee Simon Cox (for Swindon) and two more than Jermaine Beckford (Leeds United). This included a hat trick away to Hereford United in March and a 45 minute four timer at home to Southend United back in October. However he failed to score any cup goals as Rovers crashed out in the first round of each competition. Former Bee Jo Kuffour contributed eleven goals also.
Manager
The Pirates are managed by Paul Trollope who was appointed in succession to Ian Atkins in November 2005. Under Trollope`s stewardship they were promoted via the Play Offs from League Two in 2006/07 and were also finalists in the Johnstone`s Paint Trophy that same season. The following season he guided them to the Quarter Finals of the FA Cup, the furthest they had reached in 50 years.
Last League Meeting
Our meetings next season will be our first since the 2000/01 season in League Two (now known as League One). We drew 0-0 away in January which was in marked contrast to the eight goals seen here in August when the visitors scored three quarters of them, Bees goals coming from Andy Scott and Paul Evans (penalty). We attracted 5,434 to the match at Griffin Park whilst 6,933 were in attendance at the away fixture.
Our overall record is as follows:
|
HOME |
AWAY |
|
P |
W |
D |
L |
F |
A |
W |
D |
L |
F |
A |
|
70 |
14 |
8 |
13 |
57 |
58 |
11 |
8 |
16 |
41 |
42 |
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Previous Highlights
One of the more memorable matches, for all the wrong reasons, was the final game of the 1997/98 season. Going into that game at The Memorial Ground Brentford were fifth from bottom and a win would have ensured safety. Premiership newcomers Burnley were in the relegation zone a point behind The Bees. Come 5 o'clock Burnley had beaten Plymouth to confirm their own safety and Argyle's relegation as a Kevin Rapley goal was not enough to prevent Rovers winning 2-1 which confined The Bees to relegation and ensured a place in the Play Offs for the hosts.
Older supporters may remember the week we played Rovers back in October 1963. I say the week as there were conflicting fortunes within the space of six days. Rovers came to town on Saturday 12th just three days after The Bees had won 4-2 at Wrexham. But 13,371 fans were left bemused as the visitors smashed five goals past the home side with Brentford finding the net just twice. Another three days on and a crowd almost 3,000 down on the previous one saw a Brentford team with six changes hammer nine goals past Wrexham to record a Club record victory. "It's a funny old game".
Ground
Bristol Rovers play their home games at The Memorial Stadium a ground they share with Bristol Rugby Club and have done now since 1996. Up to ten years previously their home for 89 years had been Eastville. But in 1986 financial problems necessitated a move to Twerton Park in Bath, which they shared with the Football Club of the same name. But ten years on they moved back to Bristol and it is here they remain whilst work to increase the capacity towards 19,000 is carried out.
Attendances
Their average League attendance last season was 7,170 with a high of 10,293 against Leeds United in March and a low of 5,870 against Crewe Alexandra in September.
Mileage
Bristol Rovers, 111 miles from Brentford, is the twelfth shortest journey for Bees fans this season, just a few miles closer than Yeovil Town.
The Supporters Association will be running coaches to every Brentford League away game this season. Reservations can be made at home matches or by calling 020 8941 0425
BET365 Odds to win League One
Rovers are 10th favourites at 22/1
