Bristol Rovers ISA

Bristol Rovers Independent Supporters Association (BRISA) has published an open letter to club CEO Ritchie Bates, urging greater clarity, transparency and regular communication on key issues affecting the club’s future.

In the letter, BRISA welcomed Bates to his role and referenced recent interviews he gave on BBC Radio Bristol, before outlining three core priorities raised by supporters. Chief among them is the long-term future of the club’s stadium. Supporters say uncertainty surrounding redevelopment of the Memorial Stadium has persisted for years and are asking for honest confirmation on whether redevelopment remains feasible or if alternative plans are now being pursued.

They are also seeking clearer updates on potential new sites, discussions with landowners and realistic delivery timelines.

Financial transparency is the second major concern. BRISA highlighted worries about how ongoing losses are being funded, noting that loans from Dwayne Sports Limited are secured against the Memorial Stadium and could soon exceed £20 million. The group is calling for clarity on the long-term plan for those loans, whether interest is being charged, and how future ambitions, such as stadium development, will be financed sustainably.

The letter also stresses the need for more consistent and meaningful communication with supporters. While acknowledging recent engagement efforts, BRISA argues that fans want regular, detailed updates rather than occasional interviews, particularly on stadium progress and financial matters.

BRISA says it will formally request a meeting with Bates to discuss these issues and establish a structured, ongoing dialogue. The letter concludes by stating that supporters have shown patience for many years and are now seeking credible plans and clearer accountability for the club’s future.

Read the full letter, below:

Dear Ritchie

We listened with interest to your recent interviews on BBC Radio Bristol and would like to begin by wishing you success in your role as CEO of Bristol Rovers.

As the Bristol Rovers Independent Supporters Association (BRISA), we represent a growing number of supporters seeking clarity, structure and accountability around the long-term future of the club. Following engagement with our members, we are focusing on three core priorities.

1. A Clear Long-Term Stadium Plan

The stadium remains the most critical issue facing Bristol Rovers.

From your recent comments, it appears redevelopment of the Memorial Stadium may no longer be a viable option. If this is the case, supporters deserve clarity. After years of uncertainty, it is essential the club communicates honestly on whether redevelopment will proceed, and if not, what the alternative plan is.

More broadly, supporters are seeking clear updates on:

● Progress in identifying new sites
● Whether discussions with landowners are ongoing
● Realistic timelines for delivery

This is fundamental to the club’s future.

2. A Transparent Business and Financial Plan

Supporters are increasingly concerned not just by losses, but by how those losses are being financed.

The accounts state that the loans are from Dwayne Sports Limited and are secured against the Mem. With estimates suggesting this debt will likely exceed £20 million in the near future, this raises serious and legitimate questions about long-term sustainability.

Supporters therefore require clarity on:

● What the long-term plan is for these loans
● Is Dwayne Sports charging interest on the loan and if so, at what rate
● Whether, as with the previous owner, losses will be capitalised
● How the club intends to finance both its ongoing operations and its stated ambitions, including any future stadium development

Without this transparency, it is difficult for supporters to have confidence in the long-term direction of the club.

3. Meaningful and Regular Communication

We acknowledge recent efforts to engage with supporters, but there remains a clear need for communication that is consistent, detailed and ongoing.

Supporters are not looking for one-off interviews or general statements. They are seeking:

● Regular updates on stadium progress
● Clear communication on the club’s financial position
● Honest acknowledgement where there is uncertainty or delay

Even where progress is limited, regular and transparent communication would represent a significant step forward.

Moving Forward

BRISA’s role is to represent supporters constructively and with clarity. These priorities are not speculative, they reflect consistent concerns raised across our membership.

We will be writing to formally request a meeting with you to discuss these matters in more detail and to establish a structured and ongoing line of communication between the club and its supporters.

Supporters have shown patience over many years. What is now required is clarity, transparency and a credible plan for the future.

Yours sincerely,

BRISA
Bristol Rovers Independent Supporters Association