HAROLD JARMAN and TOMMY STANTON VISIT THE MEM ON SATURDAY As you will be aware over the past twelve months Bristol Rovers Supporters Club has regularly invited former players back to the Mem to come and meet you and re-live great memories. I am delighted to inform you that Harold Jarman and Tommy Stanton have kindly agreed to be our guests for the York game on Saturday. One of Rovers greatest wingers and players, Harold joined Rovers in 1959 making his debut in a 3-1 victory over Swansea Town on Boxing Day. He played 440 (plus 12 as sub) times for the club scoring 127 goals - making him the third highest scorer in the club's history. He left on 14 May 1973 transferring to Newport County. In 1974 he joined the famous New York Cosmos before being released a year later. On 12 December 1979 he returned to a struggling Rovers side as manager and saved us from relegation. However his efforts were not rewarded with a permanent post as manager and he left the club once again on 24 April 1980. Superb defender and midfielder, Tommy began his playing career at Liverpool before turning professional in 1965. After a year with their senior squad without playing a League match he moved to Arsenal in September 1966, with whom he again failed to play in a League game. He eventually made his League debut after joining Mansfield Town in 1967, and went on to play 37 times for them before joining Bristol Rovers in June 1968. In eight seasons with Rovers he made 168 League appearances, eleven of those as a substitute, and scored seven times, before dropping down into non-League football in 1976 when he joined Weymouth. In 1977 he joined Forest Green Rovers as a player-coach, and in 1980 returned to Rovers as reserve team coach. Another stint as a player-coach followed in 1982, this time with Clevedon Town and he was later appointed their manager. He returned for a third spell with Rovers in 1983, where he spent a year coaching our schoolboy teams. Following his retirement from football, Tommy started up an antiques business in Clifton. I know you will give them a very warm reception when they come on the pitch at half time for the 50-50 draw and a chat. Then for a walk-around the pitch and then for a visit to the Supporters Club after the match. Best Wishes Brian SS
Thanks BSS. A book about Harold and his career at Rovers, Gloucestershire CCC and New York Cosmos is planned. Anyone with personal reminiscences, memorabilia or anything else of relevant interest please PM me and I'll chat to you about it. Tom Stanton is still actively involved as a Trustee of Bristol Rovers Community Department.
