Bristol Rovers: The Formative Years is a compilation of match reports from 1883 to 1899, providing a glimpse into Victorian-era football and the club’s origins.
The club began as The Black Arabs, became Eastville Rovers, and concluded the 19th century as Bristol Rovers.
The book is expected to attract not only football historians, but also those interested in the social history of Bristol and the surrounding areas.
It includes stories of local clubs, like Wotton Under Edge and Warmley, which once competed with and defeated Bristol Rovers.
The book was written, researched, and compiled by Rovers supporter Eric Whitlock, who has ties to the Wotton Under Edge, Berkeley, and Dusley areas.
It traces the early days of the club, which was initially nomadic before settling at Eastville.
The book stands out for its detail and illustrations, reportedly unmatched by any other history book on Bristol Rovers.
It is priced at £25, reflecting the five years of research Eric invested into this project.
The book was launched with the support of Bristol Rovers FC, Bristol Rovers Heritage Society, and Bristol Rovers Supporters Club.
It is available now.
For order details, contact Ericmwhitlock@outlook.com, suzyharrington70@gmail.com, or secretary@bristolroverssc.co.uk.