Bristol Rovers assistant manager Paul Raynor reveals bowel cancer diagnosis
Paul Raynor has said he'll start treatment later this month
Last updated 1st Oct 2026
Bristol Rovers assistant manager Paul Raynor has revealed he has bowel cancer.
In a statement today (1 October) on the club's website Raynor, 60, said he was diagnosed after submitting a stool sample via post, which showed abnormal results.
He is due to begin chemotherapy and radiotherapy on the 12th October, which will continue for five weeks, meaning he will have "very limited" involvement in training sessions.
Raynor said he's being positive despite the long road of treatment ahead:
"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.
"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".
Raynor joined The Gas alongside boss Steve Evans in December 2025, and helped them to avoid relegation to the National League.
He's also encouraging other men to get checked: "They’re telling me there is a good chance it’s curable but the ramifications if I hadn’t have done that sample, it could have been a lot, lot worse.
"The message from me is get your samples done because it’s massively important.
Raynor added that the treatment process is going to take around five to six months but doctors say "the cancer hasn't spread elsewhere to any major organs."
The 60-year-old has worked with Evans at nine different clubs.
He's praised him and the team at Bristol Rovers for their support:
"What I do want to say is that every single person at Bristol Rovers has been absolutely incredible.
"The Chairman, Abdullatif, the board, everyone behind the scenes, and of course the gaffer as well.
"I’ve worked with and known Steve for 25 years and he’s always been a massive friend, but the last few weeks he has been absolutely immense.
"And, of course, my family and the Bristol Rovers supporters too. "