New Rovers chairman Steve Hamer, formerly chairman at Swansea, believes the club can emulate his former club and Bournemouth. Both clubs have worked up their way up to the Premier League. "I believe this club can emulate Bournemouth and Swansea. It's exciting times."
Steve Hamer: I now know what this club means to the supporters. Hamer: "We're not freshmen. We're not rookies. We've been in this game a long time and know what to expect."
Hamer: "We won't talk of five-year plans or the Premier League. This is going to be evolution, not revolution. This club has to be built properly. Our eyes are wide open."
Hamer: "Automatic promotion is maybe a little out of reach, but in this league you never know..." Al-Qadi: "I won't say this is an investment, it's an ownership. Ownership means you are passionate for the club to do well - on and off the field."
Hamer jokes: "Steve Cotterill rang me the other day. He bought a house for £500,000 and doesn't need it anymore. Maybe we can rent it..."
Al-Qadi: "I'm a football fan. This is not about buying something and selling it off." Hamer: "I would not be sitting here with Wael if I didn't believe it was for the long-term." Al-Qadi: "I'll try to get to every home game. I'll be here as much as I can."
Hamer jokes: "Steve Cotterill rang me the other day. He bought a house for £500,000 and doesn't need it anymore. Maybe we can rent it..." I love him already!
Wael Al-Qadi confirms this is his first involvement in English football. Was educated here and grew up supporting Chelsea. Is now committed to Rovers though. Al-Qadi: "It's a wonderful city, a university town. There is huge potential here."
Wael Al-Qadi confirms the pronounciation of his first name: "It's like Gael as in Clichy, but with a 'w'."
Higgs said: "I sincerely believe that Bristol Rovers can count itself as being very fortunate to attract the interest of Mr Al-Qadi and his family." Press conference over!
Sorry, couldnt answer at the time as back and forth from post, twitter and here!! no idea about sexstone and this is much better than i thought.
Yes. regardless of the Sainsburys court decision. But have to wait for that decision first before anything can start
He appears to be saying the right things, pleased he is staying with DC and hopefully he will back him in the close season with funds for new players, Jon what do reckon on the chances of him meeting the FFSC
This is fantastic for all Rovers supporters and particularly for those of us who have been Gasheads for 50 years or more. My father took me to Eastville many years ago and I've supported them ever since. And what an opportunity for DC to take us forward.
I to have the fifty year sentence and when I think back to the days of leaving Eastville and going to Bath it seems a very long journey
