RIP Andrew John Spring – 17th November 1965 - 13th February 2022

Gateshead born former Bristol Rovers defender Andy Spring, who appeared in 19 league games for the club during the 1985/86 season, passed away suddenly on February 13th 2022 at the age of 56.

Beginning his career with Coventry City, he appeared in five league games for them, making his debut in a 5-0 defeat against Liverpool at Anfield in May 1984.

When Coventry boss Bobby Gould moved from Highfield Road to take over the managerial reigns at Eastville, for a second time, in May 1985 he signed Andy from his former club.

Andy made his Rovers league debut on the opening day of the 1985/86 campaign in a 3-3 draw against Darlington at Feethams. He was in good company as he was one of five players making their first appearance in the blue and white quarters that day, the others being Stephen Badock, Ian Davies, Byron Stevenson and Nicky Tanner. In fact, news of Andy’s passing reached us via Tanner’s Twitter account.

Having appeared in eight league games for Rovers, he spent a loan spell with Cardiff City in October 1985, during which time he played just once for them, a 2-0 defeat against Gillingham. On his return to Eastville he appeared in another 11 games for Rovers and also played in the fourth round FA Cup tie against Luton Town.

He also appeared in the two legs of the first round Milk Cup tie against Newport County, a Freight Rover Trophy tie against Swindon Town and the Gloucestershire Cup Final against Bristol City in September 1985.

On leaving Rovers, at the end of the 1985/86 campaign, he moved to Ireland and went on to play for Sligo Rovers, Drogheda United and Longford Town. In 1992 he was reported to have won £250,000 on the Irish Lottery from a 25p ticket.

He later worked for the Prison Service and received a number of commendations for his work with young offenders and worked latterly as a lorry driver, based in Redditch.

Our thoughts are with Andy’s family and friends at this sad time.