The Bristol Rovers team that could take part in the returning Masters Football tournament
Bristol Rovers have only entered the competition once, back in 2008 in Cardiff where they couldn’t get out of the group stage.
Masters Football is back to the delight of many fans, including Bristol Rovers, who love the nostalgic feel of the tournament, bringing back memories of yesteryear.
The unique competition where past and present professional players over the age of 35 took part in an annual summer indoor six-a-side tournament.
Supporters loved the event as they could see their all-time favourites back in the team’s colours for one last time. It also gave them something to watch during the summer when the football season is over.
After it ended eleven years fans have wanted it back for a while now and luckily their wish was granted as sports documentary site 360 Sports TV have gained the rights for the competition with a four-team group in Glasgow set to take place this year.
The last and only time Bristol Rovers have taken part in the event was in Cardiff back in 2008, they only won one out of three games and were knocked out early on after poor results against Bristol City, Cardiff City and Swansea City.
The team included Steve Book, Geoff Twentyman, David Mehew, Jeff Meacham, Tony Pounder, Nick Tanner and still to this day club record signing Andy Tillson.
Meanwhile Marcus Stewart, who turned played over 170 times for the Gas, scoring 57 goals opted to turn out for the red half of the City, despite featuring more in the blue and white quarters during his playing career.
Most teams having eight or nine players as roll-on, roll-off subs were allowed. Although no teams have announced if they will be taking part in the event yet, we would love to see Rovers participate in the 2023 tournament and this is the squad we’d want to see.
1. GK: Steve Phillips
The one of many who braved the move across Bristol from City to Rovers. Phillips made 136 appearances for the club and was a big part of the 2007 promotion season. His last job in football was Yeovil Town goalkeeping coach. Photo: Julian Finney/Getty Images
2. DEF: Steve Elliott
Like Phillips, Elliott was part of the 2007 promotion season. The defender played over 200 times for the Gas and would be perfect for Masters Football as he could stop goals and even score some himself. He had a brief spell as Cheltenham Town assistant manager but since then hasn’t worked in the game. Photo: Michael Steele/Getty Images
3. DEF: Tony Craig
The cult-hero that is Tony Craig. Over his two and a half years at the club the centre-back rarely missed a game and fans still say releasing him at the end of the 19/20 was a big mistake. He now plays for Crawley Town and will come up against his former side on Tuesday. Photo: Harry Trump/Getty Images
4. DEF: Andy Tillson
The only man in this squad who took part in the last Masters Football event. The £370,000 man made over 250 apparences for the Pirates and was also once club captain. He has worked under former Rovers manager Paul Tisdale, but at this current moment Tillson isn’t working in football. Photo: Chris Lobina/Allsport