As Rovers first campaign back in the National League since 2017 edges ever closer, it’s time to take a look at who Steve Cotterill and his side will be facing.
Rovers will travel a total of 6,443 miles during the 2024-25 campaign from right down on the south coast to the north east plus a handful of trips to the capital.
To kick off our Vanarama National League fact file, we head to the north-east and east of England to find out more about Gateshead, Hartlepool United, York City and Boston United.
GATESHEAD - ‘THE HEED’
Rovers longest away day will be a 538-mile round trip to Tyne and Wear when we face Gateshead next season.
Founded in 1977 following the dissolvement of Gateshead United, Gateshead FC have enjoyed large parts of their existents (26 seasons) at the National League level.
A trip to the multi-purpose Gateshead International Stadium, which has also hosted a number of Athletics competitions, is to come for Rovers fans this season.
HIGHS AND LOWS
Last season saw a season of highs for the Heed recording their highest league finish in 10 years (sixth place) whilst also claiming their first FA Trophy on penalties against Solihull Moors.
Former Newcastle United goalkeeper Rob Elliott took charge of the squad leading them to Wembley and the play-offs - which his side never got to experience.
Due to the local council failing to agree a 10-year lease on the stadium the EFL denied them the chance to claim a spot League Two meaning Elliott’s side were removed from play-off contention.
FOLLOWING THE HEED
Elliott and his side’s successful season was heavily backed by fantastic support from the Heed faithful who recorded an average home attendance of just over 1,000.
The Heed’s highest attendance came during their FA Trophy clash with Macclesfield when 3,031 fans packed out the International Stadium in April.
HARTLEPOOL UNITED - ‘THE POOLS’
Just 31 miles down the coast from Gateshead is where Rovers will encounter Hartlepool United at Victoria Park during the 2024-25 season.
Rovers will make the 498-mile round trip to the club founded in 1908 ready for just the third encounter of the two sides which sees Rovers unbeaten against the Pools.
The Pools will have a new look ahead of the new campaign as a change in the dugout sees former Woking, Yeovil Town and Stevenage manager, Darren Sarll take the helm.
RETURN TO THE FIFTH TIER
The Pools returned to the National League last season following a two-year stint in League Two but could only manage a mid-table finish.
A difficult season was highlighted as Pools fans saw three different managers in the dugout as John Askey was dismissed in December.
Lennie Lawrence took the role on an interim bases before former Crystal Palace, Southampton and Sunderland player, Kevin Phillips stepped in until the end of the season.
STAR PLAYER - EMMANUEL DIESERUVEWE
After dropping back into the National League, the Pools increased their fire power up front by bringing in 29-year-old forward, Dieseruvwe from FC Halifax Town.
The forward proved to be an important signing finding the net on 23 occasions in league outings making him the fourth top scorer in the National League.
ROCK AND ROLL FANBASE
One of Hartlepool’s most well-known fans is former Sky Sports Gillette Soccer Saturday host and now TalkSport presenter, Jeff Stelling.
Stelling would enjoy many moments live on the TV when the Pools were action including at the end of the 2016/17 season when he turned up in his teams colours as they battled survival on the final day.
The Pools might not play heavy metal football but are definitely followed by some heavy metal fans in the shape of Iron Maiden’s guitarist, Janick Gers and the late rock singer Meat Loaf.
YORK CITY - ‘THE MINSTERMEN’
Rovers will tick off a new ground when we visit North Yorkshire to take on York City at their newly constructed York Community Stadium next season.
Founded in 1922, the Minstermen have spent 22 seasons of their history playing in and around the non-league system with their last stint in the Football League coming back in 2016.
Rovers have played a part in some of the Minstermen’s history as back in 2012. Paul Musselwhite, York’s oldest ever player (43-years and 127 days) played his final game for the club in a 1-0 win over Rovers.
FINAL-DAY SURVIVAL
It was a season of struggles for the Minstermen last time around finishing 20th in the National League, just one point above the drop zone.
Despite suffering a 1-0 defeat to Solihull Moors on the final day, results elsewhere confirmed their survival in the National League for a third straight season.
But it wasn’t all doom and gloom last season - they reached the second round of the FA Cup setting up a clash with League One side Wigan Athletic who defeated them 1-0.
PAST AND FUTURE STARS
The Minstermen have had a few recognisable names to don their shirt no more so than Newcastle United goalkeeper, Nick Pope.
The Englishman had two loan spells with the Minstermen during the 2013/14 League Two season in which he made 24 appearances keeping a staggering 16 clean sheets.
York fans have plenty to look forward to as new manager, Adam Hinshelwood will re-unite with the National League South top scorer, Ollie Pearce.
Pearce made a name for himself last campaign scoring 46 goals in 51 appearances for Worthing earning him a move to the National League and the Minstermen.
YORK HAVE THEIR GUY
One of the more well-known supporters of the club is BBC, Match of the Day and Euro 2024 commentator, Guy Mowbray.
When Mowbray isn’t covering Premier League matches for footballing fans to enjoy on a Saturday night, he can be found at the Community Stadium supporting his beloved Minstermen.
BOSTON UNITED - ‘THE PILGRIMS’
A re-union 23 years in the making as Rovers will meet Boston United for the first time since 2001 with both teams returning to the National League.
Another of the ex-Football League sides last playing at that level in 2007 but after a tough period with the club going into administration in 2008 spent their most recent years in non-league.
ON THE WAY UP
After 14 years in the National League North, Ian Culverhouse guided the Pilgrims back to the fifth tier of English football for the first time since 2002.
Finishing sixth saw the Pilgrams qualify for the play-offs reaching the final against Brackley Town thanks to penalty victories over Alfreton Town and Scunthorpe United.
And at the seventh time of asking, Culverhouse’s side return to the National League was confirmed after a 2-1 victory over Brackley.
FAMOUS PILGRIMS
The Pilgrims have had their fair share of successful players, but no one could have expected this success story when former Newcastle, Tottenham, and England legend Paul Gascoigne arrived in Lincolnshire.
However, this move wasn’t the fairytale many fans or the player expected. In 2004 a 54-year-old Gascoigne received a call from Boston with the belief he was moving to the USA.
With the disappointment he would remain in the UK, Gascoigne played just four times for the Pilgrims before officially hanging his boots up.
POLITICAL FANBASE
The Pilgrims will bring a hefty following in the National League which may include one of their more well-known supporters.
Former Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Johnathan Van-Tam, best known for his work during the COVID-19 pandemic, was a big advocate for football returning in the pandemic wanting his beloved Pilgrims to get back in action.
