Bristol Rovers owner and Chairman, Hussain AlSaeed feels that his club has endured “a campaign of two halves” in an open letter to supporters.
Bristol Rovers spent much of the season battling to preserve their EFL status amidst an early-season seven-match unbeaten run after losing their opening three league matches, but eventually recovered to finish 14th overall in League Two with one defeat in their last 14 matches.
AlSaeed has now released an open letter on the club’s website reflecting on a campaign which saw Darrell Clarke replaced by Steve Evans in mid-December amidst a 13-match winless streak, which included a dramatic 3-2 defeat in Evans’ first match at home against Bromley on Boxing Day, but ended on New Year’s Day with a 3-0 win at Shrewsbury.
In his initial thoughts, AlSaeed noted the contrast in the first and second halves of the season but is buoyant that their late-season form has sown seeds for next season under Evans.
“It’s fair to say the 2025/26 season has been a campaign of two halves at Bristol Rovers Football Club.
“Since January, we have made significant strides. While there is still plenty of work ahead of us, I believe this season has given us a lot to be optimistic about heading into the summer and the new campaign.
“We have had to work hard, cohesively and decisively. This has led to moments in this season which, in my opinion, have demonstrated exactly what this Club is capable of when we have confidence, belief and momentum.
“Our eight-game winning run through March and April, the longest streak of any team in the EFL this season, reflects the quality, resilience and mentality being built at Bristol Rovers.
“I have felt first-hand the atmosphere and togetherness that has built, particularly when we confirmed Steve Evans’ contract as our men’s first team manager in April and at our last home game of the season, the resounding 4-0 win over Cheltenham Town.”
AlSaeed proceeded to address the supporters for their “outstanding loyalty” across the season and thanked them for their commitment to the club, even when they battled against the possibility of relegation to Non League Football.
“Your support throughout that run, and indeed the entire season, has been exceptional. Week after week, home and away, you have backed the team with outstanding loyalty and energy.
“We have sold out home terraces and away allocations, and the connection between you and the Club remains one of our greatest strengths. I want to sincerely thank you all for standing with the team and the manager throughout the season.”
AlSaeed praised Evans for bringing his composure and experience to turn the club’s fortunes around and improve expectations on and off the pitch.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed working with Steve since he joined us at The Mem in December. He has brought calm and experience to the football operation, and the run of form since the end of January under his guidance shows exactly what Bristol Rovers is capable of.
“He and Paul Raynor have worked tirelessly to raise the standards at The Quarters and embed a winning culture. The progress we have seen in recent weeks gives us a strong platform to build from as we move into the off-season and summer. He and his team have my full support, and I am looking forward to continuing to work closely with him.”
Bristol Rovers however face uncertain questions concerning the future of the Memorial Ground after redevelopment plans hit technical difficulties, but AlSaeed offered assurances that the club’s board are working to secure their future at the stadium.
“I know the topic of Club infrastructure and our stadium is of paramount importance to every supporter. Please be assured that, behind the scenes, the Board is working tirelessly to secure the best possible future for our home.
“We maintain a firm policy regarding these developments; we believe it is right to only provide updates once a milestone or project is 100 per cent guaranteed. We want to ensure that when we speak to you regarding infrastructure, we are sharing definitive progress, not speculation. We thank you for your patience as we navigate these complex but vital processes.”
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