Physiotherapist Phil Kite has announced that he will be retiring from the game at the end of this season, having been the club's physiotherapist since our move back to Bristol in 1996. In recognition of his service, as a player and physio, the Board of Directors have granted Phil a testimonial match. Kits said: "I'm extremely grateful to the club for granting me a testimonial game and I have to admit it's going to be a wrench leaving the club I have supported since I was a boy. I have been very fortunate to have played for Rovers and to have enjoyed a long career, both as a player and a physiotherapist, but after so many years in the game I'm going to take things a little bit easier and enjoy more time with my family. However I intend to return to the Memorial Stadium, on a regular basis, as a supporter." His testimonial match, against West Bromwich Albion, will take place on Friday 31st July (kick off 7.30pm). Kits said: "It's becoming more and more difficult to persuade any of the Premiership sides to play pre-season friendly matches or testimonial games, as many of them undertake pre-season tours which take them abroad, and very few will agree to send their first team squad out for games such as this. However, when I contacted West Brom manager Tony Pulis, a good friend and former Rovers player of course, he immediately agreed to bring a full strength side down for my testimonial match. I think it's a superb gesture by him and by West Brom and it will be good to see Rovers host a Premiership side in the build up to the new season. There are many connections between Rovers and the Baggies of course, as former Rovers strikers Jason Roberts and Nathan Ellington played for both clubs. They are just two of a number of former Rovers players I am planning to invite to the game, among them many I've played with, and treated, during my career! A full list of guests will be announced in due course."
Well deserved.....and well done to Tony Pulis for stepping up like a real mate to bring WBA to the Mem.
Well deserved for a much respected keeper and regular fixture as the club's physio. Tony Pulis is a top man too.
