Bristol Rovers are due to release their retained list shortly as they bid farewell to some of their promotion winning squad.
Already the likes of reliable centre-back Connor Taylor and the mercurial winger Luke Thomas have penned their goodbyes following the end of their loan moves. Their departures like Elliot Anderson and James Connolly’s will be confirmed when the list is announced as they are not contracted to Rovers.
For those contracted to the Gas however, there are some who’s futures are secure because of contracts that go beyond this summer, whilst for others their next steps are up in the air.
Contract talks are to be had with the likes of talisman Antony Evans, who contributed to 22 league goals in the past season, earning himself a spot in the League Two Team of the Season, if you were to base it on player ratings. There is certain to be interest in the 23-year-old but promotion back at the first time of asking will put the ball in Rovers’ court after delivering on their early season promise.
Meanwhile there are players returning to the club who are still in contract for another year, like midfielder Zain Westbrooke, who was sent to Stevenage back in January. Experenced striker Brett Pitman has returned from a loan at Eastleigh and there is an option to extend his deal it remains to be seen whether he will stay.
The Gas have until Saturday, May 21, to submit their finalised retained list to the English Football League, but it could be announced earlier than then.
Below is who we think will have their stays extended at Bristol Rovers and who may have to seek pastures new in what potentially could be another summer of upheval.
1. James Belshaw - Unlikely
Signed a contract extension before the end of the season despite there being a year to run. Extremely unlikely to move on after upheaval of last summer. | Getty Images Photo: Dan Mullan/Getty Images
2. Josh Grant - Unlikely
Struggled with injuries this season but a vital play. Utility man that can play anywhere. Deemed the player with the highest ‘footballing IQ’ by Joey Barton. | Getty Images Photo: Naomi Baker/Getty Images
3. Alfie Kilgour - Unlikely
Given that Connor Taylor and James Connolly have departed then it makes it slightly unlikely for Kilgour to leave. Suffered a knee injury that kept him out for a majority of the second part of the campaign. | Getty Images Photo: James Chance/Getty Images
4. Sam Finley - Unlikely
Became a vital part of the promotion winning team at the Gas. Followed Barton to Rovers from Fleetwood. Back at the level he was before leaving. | Getty Images Photo: (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)