We were delighted to welcome Nick Anderton back to the Memorial Stadium on 16th April for our game against Cambridge United.

Nick joined Rovers ahead of the 2021/22 season and made his league debut for the club in the opening game of that season, against Mansfield Town, one of nine players who made their first appearance for the club that day.

His goal against Harrogate secured a 1-0 win for the club in October 2021 and as the season progressed he played an important role as we slowly moved up the table before securing a dramatic final day promotion to League One by beating Scunthorpe United 7-0 at the Mem.

He and his team mates will always be remembered for their Gloucester Road celebrations after that game.

 On the eve of the 2022/23 campaign he announced that he had been diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer and, following an operation and chemotherapy Nick announced his retirement from football. 

Throughout his treatment he received support, not only from Rovers players and supporters, but from the football community as a whole and this evening it was our pleasure to present him with his cap to commemorate his league debut for the club, the 958th player to don the blue and white quarters.

Keith Brookman