I have been fortunate enough to play alongside many former Bristol City or Rovers stars throughout my football career.

I even played under the management of two former Bristol Rovers legends during my time at Bath City in Bobby Jones and later Harold Jarman. During their playing careers, like myself, they were wingers, so both helped me to develop my game.

They also unwittingly gave me a valuable life lesson, which was never to smoke. They both enjoyed smoking and had the cough to go with the habit.

Rumour has it, that in their playing days, they were issued with squad numbers associated with their favourite brand of cigarette – number six and number ten.

Most of the former City and Rovers players that signed for Bath City were winding down their careers.

One exception to this rule was Mickey Tanner, who at the time was a promising midfielder at Bristol City, but had trouble with discipline.

Bobby Jones paid a record transfer fee of around £15,000, to take him to Bath City. Bob firmly believed that he could nurture Mick's obvious footballing talent and curb his disciplinary problems.

Not a chance. In Mick's first three appearances he was sent off twice.

Mick did like to tackle and sometimes, albeit very rarely, he would actually get the ball – but for all his faults, he was a good footballer and a great character to have around.

Some other ex-Ciity favourites I played alongside at either Bath City or Gloucester City included Bruce Halliday, Alan Crawford and goalkeeper John Shaw.

From the blue side of Bristol, I fondly recall playing alongside Graham Day, Peter Aitken and Graham Withey – all top blokes.

Arguably Bath City's greatest signing from either of the Bristol clubs was Paul Randall.

He was a prolific goalscorer during his time at Rovers and he carried on in much the same way at Bath.

He was without doubt the best striker I saw at Twerton Park.

I often wonder how former team-mates of mine have got on with their lives after their playing days have finished. I have a couple of books in the series Life After Bristol City/Rovers by Mark Leesdad, which make for interesting reading.

I learned that Alan Crawford is now back in his native Rotherham, where he is chief scout for the football club.

It's a shame I am 47 years old, because I am sure he would have given me a trial for the club if I was a bit younger.

One person who I didn't have to look up in the book is Mickey Tanner.

He is the current manager of Somerset County League team Shirehampton, who play in the same division as the team I currently manage – Brislington Reserves.

He has already said to me that when our teams meet, after the match I have to join him for a few beers.

Knowing him like I do though, it will be a few beers, then some ciders, then on to the shorts. I can't wait.