Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Bristol Post
Bristol Post
Sport
Sam Frost

Bristol Rovers legend who starred for Preston North End and Walsall enters Gas hall of fame

"The Baron of Eastville", Alfie Biggs is the fourth man to be inducted to the Bristol Rovers Hall of Fame, the club announced on Friday.

The striker finished his Rovers career of almost 500 appearances behind only Geoff Bradford in the club's scoring records, with 197 goals for the Gas.

His highlight in a Rovers shirt was a brace against Matt Busby's Manchester United in a 4-0 win in 1956 in front of a crowd in excess of 35,000 at Eastville.

Biggs joins Geoff Bradford, Stuart Taylor and Harry Bamford as inaugural members of the hall of fame.

He died aged 76 in 2012, but will forever be remembered as one of the best players to don the blue and white quarters across a 15-year career with the club. He also had fruitful spells in front of goal at Preston North End and Walsall before regularly attending Rovers games in his retirement.

Biggs will feature on artwork created by Rovers fan and artist Tonz, which will be placed in the supporters' bar at the Mem.

The hall of fame initiative has been launched by the club in conjunction with the Retro Rovers Podcast honour the club's best players. Ten icons will be inducted by the end of the season, with further members to be added at the conclusion of future campaigns.

"The decision to induct Alfie Biggs into the Hall of Fame was a very easy one to make," Retro Rovers contributor Ashley Perry said.

"Bristol born, 'The Baron' scored an incredible 197 goals in 463 appearances across two prolific spells with Rovers. Alfie’s Rovers career was only interrupted with a 15 month spell at Preston North End.

"He had everything; strength, pace and the valuable knack of being able to score goals almost at will.

"He will be forever linked with one of the most famous days in Rovers history, as he struck twice in a 4-0 victory at Eastville over Manchester United’s 'Busby Babes'.

"With his name enshrined in the lyrics to Tote End Boys, it’s now fitting that Alfie Biggs now takes his place in the Bristol Rovers Hall of Fame."

Gasheads have been encouraged to send videos reminiscing about their memories of Biggs in the blue and white quarters to alexslater@bristolrovers.co.uk

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.