TWO former Wotton-under-Edge students have launched the first unofficial podcast for Bristol Rovers Football Club.

Harley Thorne, 22, and Max Alderson ,20, who attended Katharine Lady Berkeley’s School, have teamed up with their friend Oliver Neno, 23, to broadcast a unique show about the League Two club.

The first podcast, which was launched on October 24, has already been viewed by 500 people – from Devon to Hong Kong.

Since then, the three BRFC fans have reached more than 1,400 listeners.

Harley, originally from Yate but now living in St Annes, Bristol, said he was thrilled with the response to the podcast so far.

“We started the podcast as we constantly spoke about Rovers and we wanted to put our passions to good use,” he said.

“We noticed there was a lack of a podcast for Rovers while other teams do have one, so thought there was a definite gap to fill.

“The reaction so far has been amazing – and we hope to keep this up as we bring in more guests and features – we have a few lined up so watch this space.”

The fans’ latest podcast ‘Cambridge, Chesham and an interview with Barry Hayles’, saw an in-depth and insightful interview with a Bristol Rovers’ legend, who left the club for Fulham FC in a £2 million deal in 1998.

“The interview was a daunting experience,” Harley added.

“It was amazing to hear from someone who my parents have always described as a true Gas legend.

“We spoke about his time with Rovers, his favourite moments and other aspects of his football career including his current team, Chesham United FC.”

Max, who lives in Old Sodbury, said: “The aim for me is to reach fans who might not usually engage in regular talk about Rovers, be that because they live too far from Bristol, or because they can’t attend games.

“We want to bring Rovers fans together from across the globe.”

The podcast is recorded weekly and listeners are encouraged to get involved and give feedback via social media, including the GasCast Facebook and Twitter pages.

To listen, download and subscribe to the podcast free of charge, visit gas-cast.co.uk.