Paul Raynor battles cancer as Bristol Rovers aim for promotion
Assistant manager Paul Raynor has disclosed that the 60‑year‑old former Swansea City midfielder has been diagnosed with bowel cancer, and will begin chemotherapy and radiotherapy this month, vowing to ‘try and beat this’. He revealed the news in an interview with senior Sports Reporter Nathan Ridley, saying the diagnosis came after a routine test prompted by his wife.
Diagnosis and treatment outlook
Doctors told Raynor that the tumour had not spread to any major organs and that the chances of success were high. He will start a regimen of chemotherapy and radiotherapy later this month. Raynor said, “I was a typical man and left it, with my wife badgering me into doing it.”
He added that a week after submitting the sample, an abnormal reading prompted a full check. Within an hour he was with a consultant who confirmed the presence of a tumour. “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,” he recalled.
Raynor’s 25‑year playing career spanned Swansea City, Nottingham Forest, Preston North End and Cambridge United. The former midfielder’s routine test, urged by his wife Karen, proved decisive. “If it wasn’t for my good lady, Karen, I wouldn’t have sent the sample off and it could’ve been too late,” he said.
He 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.” The 60‑year‑old also promised, “The plan is I’m going to be here as much as possible, on matchdays, if I’m well enough I certainly will be.”
Support at Bristol Rovers
Raynor joined Bristol Rovers in December 2025 when Steve Evans was appointed manager. The pair have worked together at nine clubs, including Rotherham United, Leeds United and Stevenage. Raynor praised Evans, calling his support “immense” and describing the manager as a massive friend.
Rovers avoided relegation to the National League last season and have begun this campaign strongly, sitting third in League Two, level on points with leaders Barnet. Raynor hopes his recovery will allow him to contribute to the club’s push for promotion.
He also urged anyone concerned about a cancer diagnosis to get tested, stressing the importance of early samples. “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,” he warned. The comments were posted in the Sport section of the site. The story was published with two Images and recorded a View count of 2.
Raynor’s openness aims to raise awareness and inspire others facing similar battles, while his determination to return to the touchline underscores his commitment to Bristol Rovers.