Paul Raynor reveals bowel cancer diagnosis and urges fans to get tested

Bristol Rovers assistant head coach Paul Raynor has been diagnosed with bowel cancer but says the tumour has not spread and he will begin treatment this month, urging everyone to get checked.

Paul Raynor has revealed his bowel cancer diagnosis in a powerful message urging early testing. The Bristol Rovers assistant head coach confirmed the tumour was discovered after he submitted a sample and has not spread to any major organs.

Raynor, 60, will begin a course of chemotherapy and radiotherapy later this month. He told the club website the cancer was found after his wife, Karen, insisted he take a test. "I was a typical man and left it, with my wife badgering me into doing it," Raynor said. "If it wasn't for my good lady, Karen, I wouldn't have sent the sample off and it could've been too late."

Raynor vows to beat cancer and return

The assistant manager expressed confidence in a positive outcome and vowed to return to his role. "We're going to try and beat this," he said. "We will beat this and then be back on the grass helping the guys later in the season with a bit of luck." Raynor aims to be present on matchdays when he feels well enough, starting with the trip to Crewe this weekend. He also paid tribute to manager Steve Evans, calling him a "massive friend" who has been "absolutely immense" throughout.

Raynor's diagnosis comes as Bristol Rovers sit third in League Two with 15 points from eight games. The team's recent form reads three wins and two losses from their last five outings. The team has scored 12 goals this season, an average of 1.5 per game, and conceded 7, keeping them in a strong position. Their next challenge is an away fixture against ninth-placed Crewe on 3 October, a game Raynor hopes to attend. Crewe have conceded 10 goals so far, a defensive record that could present an opportunity for Rovers' attack. Fans can follow the team's progress via the club's fixtures and standings pages.

Paul Raynor joined Bristol Rovers in December 2025 when Steve Evans was appointed manager, continuing a partnership that spans 25 years across clubs including Crawley Town and Rotherham United. His primary message remains a plea for vigilance. "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 stated. "The message is: get your samples done, whatever tests you need go and get it done because it's massively important."