Ben Whiteman and Grant McCann dedicated Saturday’s 3-0 victory over Scunthorpe United to Rovers goalkeeping coach Paul Gerrard whose mother recently passed away.
Whiteman opened the scoring in the sixth minute and immediately ran to the dugout to celebrate. After the match, the midfielder revealed his celebration was to show support for Gerrard.
“Gez has had a tough time. He’s very well-liked in the changing rooms and we all said as soon as we scored, we were going to celebrate with him. We all love him, and it meant a lot to us. We’re a very tight group and obviously when things like that do happen, it’s hard to take. We all feel it and that’s why it meant a lot to me personally,” said Whiteman.
“I only live around the corner from Gez so maybe it had a little bit more meaning for me. As soon as I scored, there was no doubt in my mind that I was going to celebrate with him and all the boys followed. When there’s that much significance on it, with what’s happened to Gez, it made it all mean a little bit more.”
Manager Grant McCann added that his whole team have rallied around Gerrard throughout this difficult period and he felt the celebration highlighted the team spirit and togetherness within the dressing room.
“It’s a lovely moment from the boys and I’m pleased they ran to Gez, he’s been through a difficult time with his mother passing. Last week, the result against Bristol Rovers was for him and the players have shown how much he means to us,” he added.
“He’s an outstanding goalkeeping coach. He’s bringing the best out of Lawlor, Marko, and young Lewis Jones. We’re lucky to have him because if you’re going to have a successful season you need a good staff, and I’ve got a good staff here.”
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