Bristol Rovers coach Paul Raynor reveals cancer diagnosis and sends powerful message

Bristol Rovers assistant manager Paul Raynor has revealed that he has sadly been diagnosed with bowel cancer. Raynor, 60, will start undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy this month, vowing to 'try and beat this' in an inspiring response.

The ex-Swansea City midfielder was told by doctors that the cancer had not spread to any major organs and that the chances of success were high. Raynor, who also played for Nottingham Forest, Preston North End and Cambridge United in his 25-year playing career, submitted a sample after being convinced to by his wife, Karen.

"I was a typical man and left it, with my wife badgering me into doing it," he explained. "So I did it and a week later I was told there was an abnormal reading, and I had to go in for a full check. Within an hour, I was sat with a consultant and being told they had found a tumour."

Raynor plans to tackle the disease with all his strength and vowed: "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.

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"The plan is I'm going to be here as much as possible. I'm going to be there on matchdays, and I aim to be and I want to be. If I'm well enough, I certainly will be."

The Nottingham-born coach joined Bristol Rovers in December 2025 when Steve Evans was appointed manager. Rovers avoided relegation to the National League last season and have started well this term, sitting third in the League Two table and level on points with leaders Barnet.

The pair have worked together at nine clubs including Rotherham United, Leeds United and Stevenage, and Raynor says that Evans' support has been 'immense'. "I've known and worked with the gaffer for 25 years and he's a massive friend and these last few weeks he's been absolutely immense but everyone has," Raynor added.

The 60-year-old also paid tribute to his wife and urged anyone who is concerned about a cancer diagnosis to get tested. "If it wasn't for my good lady, Karen, I wouldn't have sent the sample off and it could've been too late and the ramifications could be anything," Raynor continued.

"They're telling me there's a good chance it's curable but if I hadn't done that sample it could've been a lot, lot worse. The message is: get your samples done, whatever tests you need go and get it done because it's massively important."