Bristol Rovers have had a fair bit of success when it comes to the loan market, and are a good destination to send your youth players if you're a Premier League or Championship club.
The Gas during Joey Barton's tenure have relied on the loan market to complement their squad, and there have been numerous success stories, who have gone on to benefit massively from their time at the Memorial Stadium. Elliot Anderson is the best example, as after being suggested to Barton by his former Newcastle United teammate Shola Ameobi, Anderson ended up scoring the decisive goal to get the Gas out of League Two. A year later, Anderson was subject of interest from several Championship clubs, but he remained at St James Park, and ended up playing 27 times for the Magpies, including 22 appearances in the Premier League as they secured a top four finish.
Connor Taylor is another, as whilst he didn't hold down a place at Stoke City, despite an opportunity at the start of the season, he is someone who went from playing to League Two to the Championship. The 21-year-old is wanted by Rovers, and a transfer bid was knocked back in January, but it goes to show that Rovers want to not only take these loan players on for a season, but work with them again.
The 2022/23 season saw numerous success stories again with Lewis Gibson and Josh Coburn being there for most of the season, whilst Bobby Thomas' time at the club helped him earn a move to Barnsley, where he secured a top six finish. Lamare Bogarde was a decent signing too from Aston Villa, whilst Jarell Quansah got his first taste of senior football.
Rovers have yet to make any summer signings in the transfer window, but are for sure going to be dipping their toes at the loan market again to get some players in. Here we take a look at 12 players that should come under consideration.
1. Divin Mubama (West Ham)
Mubamba was second top scorer in the Premier League 2 last year with 13 goals in 20 games. He made three Premier League appearances, and also got a goal in the Europa Conference League. He’s prolific at academy level, but a loan move away could be good for his development. Photo: Clive Rose/Getty Images
2. Jamie Cumming (Chelsea)
He’s made more than 120 appearances in the EFL, and for the past two seasons has been at MK Dons. Cumming was part of the Dons side that made an automatic promotion push and could become a solid first choice goalkeeper. Photo: BEN STANSALL/AFP via Getty Images
3. Harvey Vale (Chelsea)
Joey Barton revealed that Bristol Rovers made an attempt to sign Harvey Vale from Chelsea in January. Vale was set to join but because he had already played for two clubs in a season he wasn’t able to join. Vale was at the Under-20 World Cup with England, and is a highly rated midfielder. Photo: Warren Little/Getty Images
4. Reece Welch (Everton)
LiverpoolWorld football writer Will Rooney suggested Reece Welch could be a good replacement for Lewis Gibson. He was due for a move to Forest Green Rovers in January, but that fell through. He was on the bench under Sean Dyche a few times, and given his positive relationship with Barton, could let him nurture. Photo: Brett Hemmings/Getty Images for Bursty