Bristol Rovers ‘boost’ as Stoke close to signing centre-back, Gas hero pens new deal - League One headlines

All the latest stories surrounding Bristol Rovers and their 2022/23 League One rivals
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Bristol Rovers are just two weeks away from finding out their full fixture list for the 2022/23 season as excitement kicks in on their return to League One.

The Gas will know all their 46 league games on Thursday, June 23, at 09:00 as they return to the third tier following a one-year absence.

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Things are quiet around The Quarters right now with the players not yet back for pre-season with some enjoying the summer break.

There is still no news that is public yet on what is the outcome of the talks with Antony Evans and Sam Nicholson over new deals to keep them at the Memorial Stadium.

The transfer window is open tomorrow however which allows clubs to talk freely to free agents which opens the door for other clubs to take them.

News keeps on turning however and here’s all the headlines to do with Bristol Rovers and their League One rivals

Former Bristol City defender could give Gas a hand

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At one point it looked like former Robins defender Aden Flint could have been lining up against Rovers this season with Derby County strongly interested in the defender.

The 32-year-old is on the lookout for a new club after being released by Championship club Cardiff City, but now looks set to remain in the second tier.

Freelance journalist Alan Nixon claims that Stoke City have won the race to sign the experienced centre-back.

That could come as a boost as it could mean that Potters, who have a positive relationship with Rovers, could loan out Connor Taylor for another season.

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Last week, Stoke boss Michael O’Neill gave a glimmer of hope that another loan could be in the pipeline, though Taylor will be given a chance in pre-season.

“Connor’s obviously had the best experience and he’ll come back in pre-season and we’ll see where he’s at,” he said to StokeLive. League Two is a good test. The next step is League One.

“We’ll see where Connor is. He’s a good young player who we have high hopes for and we have to manage him. Once he’s had a taste of first team football it’s about building on that so we’ll see what pre-season brings with him and Will Forrester.”

Billy Bodin to face Rovers with U’s next season

Former Bristol Rovers winger Bodin has put pen to paper on a new two-year deal with Oxford United, despite having offers from elsewhere.

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The 30-year-old was out of contract with Karl Robinson’s men this summer but has become the third player in a week to sign new terms after captain Elliot Moore and Alex Gorrin committed their futures to the club.

Speaking to the Oxford Mail, Robinson said: “He had other options but I am delighted that he sees his future here and wants to be part of where we aim to take this club over the next couple of years.”

Bodin was at Rovers for two-and-half seasons and helped the club win promotion to League One in 2016, whilst performing well in the third tier, before a move to Preston.

The one-time Wales international joined Oxford initially on a one-year contract last summer but will hope to come up against his former side next season.

AFC Wimbledon defender wanted by Sheff Wed

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Sheffield Wednesday are reportedly interested in AFC Wimbledon centre-back Ben Heneghan according to Yorkshire Live.

The 28-year-old is available on a free transfer after opting to leave the Dons following their relegation to League Two. Heneghan was previously on the books of their bitter rivals Sheffield United, as well as Blackpool.

Trio interested in out-of-contract Luton striker

Ipswich Town, Portsmouth and Charlton Athletic are reportedly interested in Luton Town forward Danny Hylton according to Football Insider.

The 33-year-old is available on a free transfer and three of the biggest hitters in the third tier are looking to pounce. Hylton scored four goals in 17 appearances for the Championship play-off semi-finalists last season.

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