Ex-Bristol Rovers keeper returns to former club as new pics of Memorial Stadium emerge

Former Bristol Rovers goalkeeper Martyn Margetson has returned to Swansea City as part of the coaching staff.

The 51-year-old is back at the Welsh club for a second time after Michael Duff brought hm back to South Wales. He was replaced when Russell Martin was appointed, but now Duff is at the helm, he’s been welcomed back as the new head of goalkeeping.

Margetson is also the goalkeeping coach of the England national team, and has been there since 2016. He has also held roles with Wales, West Ham United, Cardiff City, Everton and Crystal Palace.

As for his involvement at Bristol Rovers, he made three league appearances for the Gas following a loan spell from Manchester City in 1993. He also turned out for Southend United, Huddersfield Town and later Cardiff, making 165 league appearances in a 15-year playing career.

In other news, new pictures of the Memorial Stadum have emerged on social media, which showcases the demolition of the South Stand, and it’s going to take some getting used to.

Twitter user @MikeHoops70 posted on Wednesday afternoon: “Had a little visit to the Rovers ground today. Looks like they’re  cracking on with the ground work.#Utg #bristolRovers.”

As you can see from the picture, the stand has been reduced to rubble and you can now see the houses that are otherwise hidden unless you have a view from a vantage point. The score board had been removed months ago, and was available for sale. The stand mainly housed away supporters, but the corner stand also had home fans, and for games with smaller away followings, would allow for home supporters.

Last week Bristol Rovers published their plans for the new South Stand to Bristol City Council, which said that the capacity would be 3,414 and that it would offer ‘significantly improved comfort, sightlines, and wheelchair provision.’  At the time of writing there have been 70 supports and 21 objections, and the plans can be viewed on the council’s website by searching for 23/01441/F.

Meanwhile, Bristol Rovers travel to Eastleigh this coming Saturday in their second pre-season match. It’s been nearly nine years since the Gas played at the Silverlake Stadium. It was a 1-1 draw during Rovers’ time in the Conference with Ollie Clarke scoring, and later getting sent off, after Steve Mildenhall was dismissed.

Rovers’ opponents have found out their 2023/24 schedule and they will begin their campaign against Solihull Moors on Saturday, August 5. Eastleigh added Aidan Barlow to their ranks, following his exit from Doncaster Rovers, and he could line up against the Gas on the weekend.