At least Rovers’ nicknames are both menacing and intimidating

IWAS interested to read recent letters in the Post suggesting that some Bristol Rovers fans are tiring of being called ‘Gasheads’ and prefer the nickname ‘Pirates.’

I can fully understand where ‘The Gas’ surely came from as I remember-watching games at Eastville when you could cut the atmosphere with a knife and the sheer toxicity of fumes from the nearby gasometer and slagheap must surely have affected Rovers fans who went there regularly.

In fact it was one of the reasons I ended up a City fan because I felt more comfortable with the cleaner air at Ashton Gate.

As far as ‘Pirates’ is concerned, I suppose it is appropriate for Bristol as a seafaring city, but the choice between a potentially deadly substance and a ruthless lawbreaker isn’t great, particularly as for me Rovers lived up to their pirates nickname when they somehow moved from tenants to owners of The Memorial Stadium.

Still, at least there is something menacing and intimidating about both Rovers’ nicknames – qualities which are often needed in competitive sport.

So imagine what it is like to have your club’s nickname ‘The Robins.’

Now I am actually very fond of the robin – a sociable and attractive little bird which indeed ‘goes bob, bob, bobbing along, but it is hardly going to strike fear in the minds of opponents such as The Tigers, The Lions, The Eagles or even The Magpies.

Bristol Rugby have adopted the bear and I can’t help feeling that Steve Lansdown is a rugby man at heart and is perhaps more motivated by The Bears, who have a top international coach, than The Robins, who don’t.

I think I read somewhere that Steve’s initial football interest was actually with Bristol Rovers so my ideal scenario would be for Steve to take Bristol Rugby back to their spiritual home and share with the

Rovers, thus Bears and Pirates/ Gasheads together, leaving The Robins to fly to The Premiership at Ashton Gate.

Oh, and pigs can also fly!

D Scadding Bristol