Rovers quit reserve league football

Bristol Rovers have followed several Midland clubs by pulling out of reserve league football.

The Pirates have competed in the Pontin's Holidays Combination for several years and finished eighth in the 10-team Wales and West Division last season.

"Bristol Rovers have told us that they will not be competing next season, although they did this well after the deadline date for resignations, which was March 31. Their letter to me was dated May 28," said a spokesman for the Combination.

According to the Western Daily Press, Rovers have quit to cut costs. It is thought they will play occasional reserve-team friendlies while sending some of their younger players out on loan with Conference clubs to allow them to gain experience.

A behind closed doors game against Hereford United's fringe players is a possibility sometime during the coming season.

---