In May 2022, Bristol Rovers delivered the miracle of the season : only 7-0 over Scunthorpe would have lifted Joey Barton’s team to the third division – and they won 7-0!

A couple of months later, 26-year-old Bristol defender Nick Anderton needed another miracle when he was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer, in July. In October, the player announced that he had undergone successful surgery to remove a tumor on his femur.

However, in December it became clear that Anderton would need chemotherapy – the cancer cells were more aggressive than previously thought.

“It was a hell of a year, to say the least,” Nick wrote at the end of 2022. “But you have to stay positive and take each day as it comes. Thank you for the messages of support from every person – the strength they have given to my family is indescribable.”

Bristol Rovers give Nick the maximum support. He has two children, and the contract will end in the summer

2023 began for Anderton with a warm gesture from his teammates – the entire team, including coach Joey Barton, shaved their heads. In solidarity and fundraising.

“That’s the minimum we can do,” Barton said. We are grateful to everyone who has donated or shared and raised awareness of the issue. Every pound, every cent will make a difference in helping Nick get well.”

Fans and some journalists joined the action with head shaving. Nick thanked everyone on social networks: “The best team, what a club! The support we have received since the news in July has been incredible. No words, Bristol Rovers Thank you.