It’s the week of the new season for Bristol Rovers with the 2023/24 League One campaign beginning against Portsmouth.
Saturday, August 5, is when the fun begins again, and there’s some expectation among the fan base that a play-off push is in the offing. Joey Barton has had a fairly satisfiable transfer window and there will be more signings to come.
Fans however won’t want to be reminded that the Gas have the longest winless streak when it comes to opening day wins. Rovers haven’t won in their last 11 opening day games, and as tests come, Pompey away without your manager who is suspended, is a tough ask.
Saturday, August 6 2011, is the last time Rovers won on the opening day. Adam Virgo’s 85th-minute penalty beat AFC Wimbledon, who were making their EFL debut. It was the dream start for Paul Buckle with Scott McGleish putting Rovers ahead before Matt Harrold doubled the lead. Jamie Stuart pulled one back for the Dons and then Charles Ademeno equalsed, but after a handball in the box, Virgo got a penalty and scored it.
Rovers had been busy in the transfer market, and there were 10 debutants in total in the side. Are you interested to see what became of them and what they’re up to now? Below are the 11 players and three substitutes who featured in that win over Wimbledon. Do you think Rovers can end the winless streak and beat Portsmouth? Let us know in the comments, as we bring you all the pre-match talk ahead of the trip to Hampshire.
9. Matt Harrold
First-team coach at Leyton Orient now. He got 27 goals in 87 games for Rovers in three seasons at the club. He finished his playing career in 2020, and took up a coaching role with O’s. | Getty Images Photo: Pete Norton/Getty Image
10. OXFORD, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 8: Scott McGleish
We think McGleish is retired now.. He’s 49, but made a few appearances for Leverstock Green last year. He made 27 appearances for Rovers between 2011 and 2021. He made over 1,000 appearances in English football. | Getty Images Photo: Ben Hoskins/Getty Images
11. Mustapha Carayol
Mustapha Carayol is at Burton Albion. He signed a six-month deal with the Brewers in June. He left Rovers for Boro in 2012 after making 35 appearances. He later played for Leeds, Nottingham Forest, Ipswich, and had spells in Cyprus and Turkey. | Getty Images Photo: Ashley Allen/Getty Images
12. Chris Lines
Rovers legend who had three spells in total at the club. The 37-year-old is now playing for Bath City at Twerton Park, which was the former home of the club. The win against Wimbledon was the final game of his first spell before joining Sheffield Wednesday. | Getty Images Photo: Pete Norton/Getty Image