"Once a Gashead, always a Gashead," Tom Lockyer said after watching Bristol Rovers beat MK Dons 1-0 at Stadium MK on Tuesday. On a rare night off for the former Gas defender, he was in attendance to support Joey Barton's side as they made it back-to-back wins in League One.
The Luton Town centre-back, who made more than 250 appearances for Rovers after coming through the club's academy, is based in Milton Keynes and took the chance to see his old team in action. He had planned to watch from the away end, but he was invited into the directors' box and watched the game alongside owner Wael Al-Qadi and CEO Tom Gorringe.
The 27-year-old left the Gas in 2019 to play for Charlton Athletic, but it is clear he still holds Rovers very close to his heart. Rovers are a much-changed club since Lockyer last wore the blue and white quarters, but he did catch up with the club's former head of media, Keith Brookman, who was on commentary duty for BBC Radio Bristol.
“I checked the fixture list and I couldn’t believe the game had been moved to tonight,” Lockyer told BBC Radio Bristol after the game.
“We didn’t have a game tonight with Luton and I’m living in Milton Keynes. I decided to get out and get a couple of tickets in the away end. I messaged Wael to say it’d be great to see you if you’re coming as well.
“(Tom) Gorringe said why don’t you watch the game with us so I’ve ended up in the directors' box. I thought I was going to be in the away end singing all the songs. It’s just as good up there. Once a Gashead, always a Gashead. It rings true for me, it’s my club. I love it and I’ll always support the Gas.”
Former Gas captain Lockyer liked what he saw from one of Rovers' defenders and he believes Barton's side were good value for the three points.
“Bobby Thomas, I thought was fantastic,” Lockyer added. “I thought he had a really good game and did really well.
“It was quite a slow first half and not a lot happened. Second-half both teams came out with a bit more tempo. It was going to be a moment of quality or a referee’s decision to decide the game and it was a ref’s decision.
“The penalty was very well taken. I know I am biased but if there was going to be a winner tonight it would be Bristol Rovers.”
A year ago, Lockyer delighted Gasheads with his enthusiastic celebration when Luton scored a late equaliser against Bristol City at Ashton Gate, and he admitted it was frustrating not to feature in that fixture earlier this season.
"I was out of favour at the start of the season when we had Bristol City at their place," he said. "I didn’t get a game unfortunately which would have been lovely but it is what it is."
SIGN UP: To receive our free Rovers newsletter, bringing you the latest from the Mem
READ NEXT:
