Bristol Rovers ‘deeply saddened’ over death of former academy player

Takayo Nembhard was at Bristol Rovers’ academy from the age of seven to 16

Bristol Rovers have issued a statement following the death of former youth player Takayo Nembhard, who was stabbed to death at the Notting Hill Carnival yesterday (August 29).

Mr Nembhard, also known by his rap name TKorStretch, was at the carnival with his sister and friends, said his manager Chris Patrick who confirmed the 21-year-old from Bristol was the victim of the fatal attack this morning.

Jonny Henderson on X: "This picture is of Takayo Nembhard as a young boy. On Monday, now aged 21, he was tragically stabbed and killed at the #NottingHillCarnival Such a needless loss

Th young man was best known for his music. He had more than 300,000 plays on one of his songs on Spotify and nearly 11,000 monthly listeners. But he was also a talented footballer having been part of the academy at Bristol Rovers from the age of seven to 16.

Former Bristol Rovers and Peterborough United star finds new club following Hearts exit

A Bristol Rovers centurion has joined one of the Gas’ West Country rivals after being released by Scottish club Hearts.

Former Bristol Rovers defender Michael Smith has joined a new club, following his exit from Hearts.

The 35-year-old was on trial at the Gas’ League One rivals Cheltenham Town earlier this summer, but did not earn a deal at the Robins, who are bottom of the table. He has remained a free agent after not being offered a contract by Scottish Premiership side Heart of Midlothian at the end of May 2023.

His three-month search for a club has come to an end however after signing terms with a former Football League side and a rival of Bristol Rovers. The 19-time Northern Ireland international has penned a one-year contract with the view of an additional year with Yeovil Town, who find themselves in the National League South which is the sixth tier of English football.

After his move to Huish Park was confirmed, Smith said to Yeovil’s official club website: “Coming in here, it felt like a good opportunity to create something, and help the team get promoted this year.”

“Speaking to the gaffer [Mark Cooper] and the coaching staff, they want to build something here. The club’s probably lower than it should be at the minute but you know with a good squad, I thought it’s a good opportunity to create something and help the team and hopefully get promoted this year.”

“I was moving back to Bristol anyway, that’s where my family home is now. I wanted to be based around the area. I had a chat with the gaffer, came down, seen what it was all about and had a good chat with the staff, trained with the boys and decided ‘yeah it fits’. I’m just looking forward to the challenge now.”

He could make his debut for his new side on Saturday when Yeovil host Stoneham in the qualifying rounds of the Emirates FA Cup.