Bristol Rovers assistant manager Paul Raynor has revealed he is battling bowel cancer and will begin chemotherapy and radiotherapy this month, the 60-year-old confirmed on Thursday.
The former Swansea City and Nottingham Forest midfielder said doctors found a tumour after his wife Karen insisted he submit a screening sample, adding the cancer had not spread to major organs.
Raynor joined Rovers in December 2025 alongside manager Steve Evans and helped the club avoid relegation last season before a strong start this term.
"We're going to try and beat this. We will beat this and then be back on the grass helping the guys later in the season with a bit of luck," Raynor said.
He plans to attend matches whenever his health allows and praised Evans for immense support over their 25-year partnership across nine clubs.
The coach urged anyone with concerns to get tested immediately, saying early detection made his prognosis positive.
The Talking Point: Ugandan fans following League Two will wonder how Raynor's absence affects Rovers' promotion push, much as the club sits third and level on points with Barnet.
Key facts:
- Role: Assistant manager, Bristol Rovers
- Diagnosis: Bowel cancer, not spread to major organs
- Treatment: Chemotherapy and radiotherapy starting this month
- Playing career: Swansea City, Nottingham Forest, Preston North End, Cambridge United
- Coaching partnership: 25 years with Steve Evans across nine clubs
- Current League Two position: Third, level on points with leaders Barnet
Source: Mirror
