Bristol Rovers Assistant Paul Raynor Faces Cancer Battle with Resilience

Paul Raynor, the assistant head coach at Bristol Rovers, has received the news that he has been diagnosed with bowel cancer. At 60 years old, Raynor revealed that doctors discovered a tumor and that he will start chemotherapy and radiotherapy later this month. In a positive twist, he noted that the cancer hasn’t spread to any major organs, which he sees as a significant plus, and he has been encouraged by the high chance of successful treatment. "We're going to try and beat this," Raynor stated on the club’s website. He’s determined to return to the pitch and assist the squad later in the season if all goes well. "The plan is I’m going to be here as much as possible. I want to be present on matchdays, and if I’m feeling up to it, I will be there, no doubt about it." Raynor joined Rovers’ manager Steve Evans at the Memorial Stadium in December 2025, where they successfully steered the team clear of relegation from the National League. This season, they are hopeful contenders for promotion from League Two. The diagnosis came after Raynor finally submitted a sample, a decision he credits to his wife’s persistent urging. "I was a typical man and put it off, but my wife Karen encouraged me to go through with it," he confessed. Once he received an abnormal result, he quickly underwent further tests, and within an hour, he was meeting a consultant who informed him about the tumor. Raynor has a long history with Evans, having worked together at nine clubs, starting from Boston United and including stints at Crawley Town, Rotherham United, Leeds United, and Stevenage. "I’ve known and worked with the gaffer for 25 years; he’s a tremendous friend, and the support from him and everyone else has been incredible during this time," Raynor shared. He emphasized the importance of regular health checks, saying, "If it weren't for my wife, I might not have sent off that sample, and the outcome could have been far more serious. They’re telling me there’s a good chance this is curable, but it could have been much worse if I hadn’t acted in time. "The message is clear: get your samples done. Whatever tests you need, don’t hesitate to get them done. It’s crucial for your health." Stay updated with all the latest news from Bristol Rovers.