Bristol Rovers sharing with Cheltenham

[lebowski]

Apparently Manchester United turned them down.

I don't mind if Cheltenham get relegated now.

[Batch]

Good.

[Ralphy]

I bet the residents around Whaddon Road are well chuffed.

[Matchworn Shirts]

Can't see them leaving the Memorial Stadium this year for next season, given that no construction company want to take on the job and they don't have the money anyway

[glos_robin]

I bet the residents around Whaddon Road are well chuffed.

They'll fit in well, Whaddon is a bit of a scum hole anyway so won't be too much different for Rovers, it's one of the worst bits of Cheltenham. I've often played Sunday league on Whaddon rec and the locals aren't exactly a friendly bunch

[Ardiles]

Two small clubs.  They'll get on fine.

[Tails]

The new mem will never happen the way things are going.

[Ardiles]

The new mem will never happen the way things are going.

What do you mean?

[Tails]

Well a) they can't afford it and b) they haven't actually got anyone to build the fucking thing.

A lot of their fans are unhappy with the board at the moment, a lot of questions going unanswered.

[pauld]

A lot of their fans seem to be asking the perfectly reasonable questions:

1) Why would you delay a major redevelopment project like this just so you can play two pre-season friendlies at the Mem (which is what Wovers board are claiming)?
2) Do you think we're stupid?

[Matchworn Shirts]

2) Do you think we're stupid?

Of course

[Northern Red]

Brighton Mark II - what's the odds that there's a Tesco's on the Memorial Ground in a few years...

[janaage]

Now Watkins & Co, bring on the rugby!!!

[Rich Pullen]

Now Watkins & Co, bring on the rugby!!!

Bristol rugby fans will be going to Newport for the next two seasons!

English rugby side Bristol are set to play at Newport Gwent Dragons' Rodney Parade ground for the next two seasons.

The Guinness Premiership side's Memorial Stadium is being redeveloped and BBC Wales understands the Welsh Rugby Union has approved the idea.

The move could be confirmed on Thursday and if it goes ahead Bristol will play their home games primarily on Sundays.

If there are no hitches Bristol will play their last final home match at the Mem against Worcester on Saturday.

The game will also be a final farewell to several Bristol players including veteran prop and former Scotland international Dave Hilton.  

The 37-year-old made his Bristol debut in 1989 before leaving in 1992 to join Glasgow and returning in 2003.

Bristol coach Richard Hill said: "Saturday will be an emotional occasional as we bid farewell to the 'Mem' in its current guise.

"A few of the boys who have been with us through thick and thin over the past few seasons are leaving us at the end of the current campaign and, of course, the likes of Dave Hilton are hanging up their boots at long last.  

Bristol City Council approved plans for the £36m redevelopment which will turn Bristol's ground into an 18,500 all-seater stadium in April.

The new ground will include student flats, a hotel and gym and will be shared between Bristol Rugby and Bristol Rovers Football Club.

While the rugby club seem to be on the verge of playing their games in Wales as part of a cross-border move, Rovers are in discussion with Swindon Town and Yeovil Town about playing at either of their grounds.

Rodney Parade is also due to be redeveloped from 2009 onward but the Dragons have been assured they don't need to vacate their ground while the £40m facelift takes place.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/my_club/ng_dragons/7376268.stm

[pauld]

While the rugby club seem to be on the verge of playing their games in Wales as part of a cross-border move, Rovers are in discussion with Swindon Town and Yeovil Town about playing at either of their grounds.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/my_club/ng_dragons/7376268.stm

Impressive reporting from the Beeb there - don't even read their own stories