Former Bristol Rovers striker Matty Taylor expecting frosty reception from Gas fans

Oxford United striker Matty Taylor says he is expecting abuse from Bristol Rovers fans when the two teams meet in the FA Cup on Sunday.

The 31-year-old made the controversial move across the City in 2017, joining Rovers’ bitterest rivals after they activated the £300,000 release clause in his contract.

Taylor in total scored 68 appearances in over 130 appearances in a two-and-a-half season spell at the Memorial Stadium.

He is now hoping for success with the U’s in League One however and has so far lifted them into the play-offs with five goals in seven matches.

“I’d love to play, we’ll be going all out to win and get to the next round,” he said to the OxfordMail.

“I didn’t see the draw and then my phone started to ping, so I checked the internet and saw we got my old team.”

The move to Ashton Gate severed all ties between him and his supporters, as he became the first player since Trevor Morgan in 1987 to directly cross the divide.

Taylor has already played against his former club before, losing 3-1 in 2019, before a league double last season.

This however will be the first time since the return of fans that Taylor will line up against the club who once regarded him as a hero.

The Gas are expected to bring more than 700 fans to the Kassam Stadium on Sunday with tickets available on the day.

He is expecting a good atmosphere when the whistle blows, including some chants against him from the travelling faithful who once adored him.

“It’s always been a good atmosphere between the two sides and I’m sure I’ll be getting a fair bit of abuse from their fans.

“It’s all part and parcel of the game, it drives me on so hopefully we get the win.”