Product Description
This book is both his story and the story of a unique football club that has battled against the odds for half a century. From Eastville to Bath and back to Bristol; from the 'no buy, no sell' policy of the 1950s to the days when manager Gerry Francis paid out of his own pocket to sign Ian Holloway; from sharing with greyhound racing and speedway to sharing with rugby; from the days of the maximum players' wage to the Bosman era. Ray, still loved as Bristol's most popular sporting figure, has seen it all at close quarters and is uniquely placed to tell the tale. The result is a book which is more than just a chronicle of one club, it's a journey through the changing world of professional football. It's a chance to share not just the games, but also to meet the people and taste the unique atmosphere of a friendly club that has fought the forces of football finance and survived.
About the Author
Ray Kendall started working for Bristol Rovers as a steward in 1950 - and was still working 51 years later as the Football League's oldest kit man. You would say that Ray has never married, but the truth is that he'd been wed to Bristol Rovers all his adult life.