Welcome Col Gibson

Bristol Rovers F.C is pleased to announce the appointment of Chris Gibson MBE to the Club's Board of Directors, as a non-executive Director.
Chris Gibson brings with him over 34 years of military and governmental experience. He has held leadership roles and key appointments throughout his career which have seen him serve on specialist military operations all over the world.

Having gained a post-graduate award in management from Harvard University and an MBA from The University of Northampton, Chris' MBE was awarded for the development and delivery of a training model for military and NHS volunteers to combat the Ebola Virus Disease in West Africa. The successful operation saw over 1,200 personnel deployed and appropriately trained and equipped for the rigour of delivering care in the West African jungle.

He works with various professional sporting teams including The Football Association as a leadership advisor on the Pro Licence Course and business groups on how to translate this positive philosophy into a winning capability.

His role as an independent, non-executive Director will see added transparency at the Board level, with Chris taking on a liaison role with various Supporter's groups ensuring fans voices can be heard at the top level.

As well as this, Chris will be offering his expertise in the areas of business development and corporate management to further improve professionalism and business performance.

Speaking about the appointment, Club President, Wael Al Qadi said, "We are delighted to welcome Chris to the Board and are looking forward to working with him to build success here at Bristol Rovers.

"Chris has a great degree of experience of leadership from his time working in the military and special forces and he has worked with our Manager previously.

"His experiences, coupled with the work he does with the FA, would be a valuable asset to any football club.

"In his role, he will bring appropriate governance and assurances to the Board's activity, in order to make the processes as transparent and accountable as possible."

Chris Gibson MBE added, “It is a real privilege and honour to be working in support of Bristol Rovers Football Club. I hope to use my experience, insight and track record of developing high performance teams to provide appropriate leadership guidance and mentorship to all those I come into contact within the club.”

Sounds a positive move, but and its a big but, what will he bring to our club apart from a bigger bar bill ? 

This is Joey's mate from Fleetwood isn't it?

Straight onto the board - it could give some credibility to swiss' 'takeover' theory?

Special forces?

That's the end of leaving early under the "3 goal rule" then. The bugger will install sniper points.

JB gets my back up.  Him being given total control worries me.  But we'll see.

Yes we know he has connections with JB. He might also be good at his job. With respect to Swiss's theory, that's another big leap, and at this stage a conspiracy theory.

There has been a lot of activity on the betting exchanges about this and I understand one punter from Epping has been accused of insider dealing.

A trial date will be set once they can find a translator for his particular version of "Essex".

It now just needs Martyn Starnes and Tommy Widdrington payed off with a new CEO and DOF (Jennings ?) installed to make a de facto takeover.

From his office in Jordan what can Wael do if he doesn't like the way these people run the club ?

If he stops sending money the business will fold.

Oh calm down, please.

He is a non-exec Director, not part of some mafia.

Please spend the next 3 days, after collapse of JB trial, dissecting the accuracy of his professional profile. Maybe the odd exaggeration or touch of hyperbole that can be used to discredit him? Maybe he has used a swear word on Twitter in the dim and distant past? You have 3 days off, so please don't waste it.