MANAGERS past and present were among the guests at a champagne reception and dinner to mark the 125th anniversary of Bristol Rovers FC.

Don Megson, who had not been back to the club since leaving in 1978, Ian Holloway, John Ward, Harold Jarman and former defender Stuart Taylor – who played a club record 546 league games for the Pirates – were among the guests joining current manager Paul Trollope and director of football Lennie Lawrence at the event.

The dinner, a culmination of a year of celebrations, took place last night at the Marriott Bristol Royal Hotel.

The guest of honour was Football League chairman Lord Mawhinney, who proposed a toast to the club.

After a champagne reception, guests, including former players, managers, sponsors and fans, enjoyed a four-course meal, and received two collectable souvenirs, including a commemorative Bristol Blue Glass and a souvenir menu card.

Throughout the evening, guests watched highlights of the club's history on television screens, and people were even given the opportunity to question former managers.

To round off the evening, there was a raffle and auction, with the main item being an England international shirt, signed by the entire England squad

Stadium general manager Ian Holtby said: "It was a fantastic evening enjoyed by everyone."