Numerous Gasheads have taken to social media to express their gratitude to club president Wael Al Qadi after Bristol Rovers announced that the Jordanian, alongside his brother Samer, will be handing over their shares in the club to chairman Hussain Al Saeed.
The process will be stretched out over the next 18 months with the Al Qadi’s owning a combined 45 per cent (40.5 and 4.5 per cent respectively). Wael Al Qadi is also set to remain club president during this time.
However, the news marks the end of the Al Qadi era in BS7 almost nine years since the Jordanian’s purchase of the club in February 2016.
As an incredibly popular figure amongst Rovers fans for his dedication and commitment to the football club during his ownership, Al Qadi has been subject to plenty of heartfelt messages from supporters. Here’s what some of them have been saying on X, formerly known as Twitter…
@Bristoliang1en said: “Thank you Wael Al Qadi and your family, for everything you have done for Bristol Rovers FC. You have been a superb owner, improving our league position, building the training ground, making the infrastructure of the club more secure, and much more. You are a great guy, too! UTG!”
@BristolRoversSC said: “Bristol Rovers Supporters Club would like to thank Wael Al Qadi for everything he has done for our club. Wishing you and your family well for the future, UTG!”
@shaunmorgan36 said: “Without Wael we would not be in existence in my opinion. Covid would have finished us. My thanks to him.”
@Ryann_BRFC_95 said: “Forever a Gashead, thank you Wael.”
@charlie_hayne96 said: “Gutted is an understatement. He absolutely loved the football club & from the very first moment, he cared about the fans. Not just a brilliant owner but a top bloke. Some incredible memories along the way & helped massively during covid. Thank you and UTG.”
@LynneLyneeeb said: “Supporters of football clubs sometimes mourn the loss of a player or manager. Very few the loss of an owner. The fact that 100% of Gasheads are so sorry Wael Al Qadi is leaving us says everything you need to know about the integrity & passionate commitment he brought to us.”
@jugglingmum2011 said: “Gutted to read this news! You understood what being a #gashead is all about. Happy days under your reign. Thank you for those times.”