Bristol Rovers' season may be over but the work never stops with transfer plans well underway, whilst negotiations are ongoing with those out-of-contract with the club this summer.
The Gas have seen both Glenn Whelan and Paul Coutts end their playing contribution with the club, and both will now take their place amongst the coaching staff. Coutts and Whelan followed Joey Barton to the Memorial Stadium from Fleetwood, and at a time where experience will be needed to help mount a play-off push, losing their experience means that one of the priorities in the transfer window is to bring in experience.
Harry Anderson is set to depart with his contract coming to an end, but the door will be open for him to return if he is willing to accept the terms offered to him. Grant Ward is someone that Rovers would like to keep as he was impressive from the moment he joined in January. The former Blackpool midfielder overcame his injury problems to play in every game but now other League One clubs are interested.
Joey Barton wants to bring in at least four or five players for the first-day of pre-season. He wants to get as much of his squad together as he has a squad-building exercise at the Royal Commandos base for a couple of days. He's got about 17 senior players at his disposal, though some have only made EFL Trophy and FA Cup appearances, so even though 12 new arrivals sounds ambitious, it might be needed given the potential overhaul of the squad again.
Here, we take a look at 15 players that have been released by Championship, League One and League Two teams next season. Some are from the same club, and others just make sense with links to where they were born and grew up, to some just making sense. What do you think? Can you see any of these appearing in the blue and white quarters next season?
1. Josh McEachran
McEachran was brilliant for MK Dons in their win over Rovers this year. He was highly rated when he started but unfortunately lost his way a bit. Losing both Glenn Whelan and Paul Coutts, there’s a need for some midfield reinforcements and McEachran could be good. | Getty Images Photo: Pete Norton/Getty Images
2. Tashan Oakley-Boothe
Oakley-Boothe was let go by Stoke City after making 23 appearances for the Potters. He hadn’t played for them since March 2021 and had a loan spell at Lincoln City. He was highly rated by Spurs, and Barton has a good history of working witg young players. | Getty Images Photo: George Wood/Getty Images
3. Luke Southwood
Another contender for a challenger to James Belshaw. Southwood was released by Reading after spending the season on loan at Cheltenham. The 25-year-old is based in the South and kept 16 clean sheets this season. | Getty Images Photo: Alex Burstow/Getty Images
4. Keshi Anderson
Anderson barely played for Blackpool because of a ligament injury and then a hamstring problem. There’s a good player in there, though the most he’s played in his career is League Two. | Getty Images Photo: Lewis Storey/Getty Images