Bristol Rovers chief drops double transfer hint in bold message to League One rivals

Bristol Rovers could soon start their summer transfer window business after their owner Wael al-Qadi dropped a major hint.

The Gas have yet to sign a player this summer, with the transfer window opening last week. Teams like Portsmouth, Oxford United and Lincoln City have been busy, bringing in some buys that are for sure going to complement their teams. Burton Albion yesterday, who finished below Rovers, brought in Cole Stockton from Morecambe, as well as Josh Gordon.

Rovers have managed to tie down all four players who were offered contracts with first-teamers Grant Ward and Josh Grant, signing two-year and one-year contracts respectively. Harvey Greenslade and Ryan Jones meanwhile are hoping to make a breakthrough after signing professional deals with the club.

As for arrivals, James Wilson was a signing spoke about after his departure from Plymouth Argyle, and talks seemed positive, but over the week, things have gone quiet. Oludare Olufunwa - released from Liverpool - has emerged as a new target. Plymouth are said to be interested along with clubs from the Scottish Premiership.

Rovers aren’t yet back for pre-season training, but are due to return next week, as they begin their schedule with a friendly against Melksham Town on Friday, June 30. Matches away at Eastleigh, Brentford B and Swansea City have also been lined up.

As those involved with running the club, and its employees enjoy their final bit of freedom, before a gruelling nine months ahead of them, owner Wael al-Qadi may have dropped a big hint on what’s to come this summer.

Wael al-Qadi, pictured alongside Eddy Jennings, captioned a photo of them together on Instagram with ‘Congrats Eddy &Charlotte. Now sign some players, which was accompanied by a laughing emoji and a wink face.

In another photo, in which Wael, CEO Tom Gorringe and first-team manager Joey Barton are pictured, Wael captioned it with ‘Next season beware .....UTFG !!!”

Back in May, Aaron Collins spoke of how the coaching staff had informed him of the calibre of players that they would be trying to sign this summer. The 26-year-old reaffirmed his commitment to the club, and said he 'knew' he'd be at the club this summer, with two years remaining on his contract.

Collins, who was surprisingly snubbed for a Wales call-up, despite his exceptional form this season, admitted his desire to play at a higher level, and opened up on the clubs ambitions for next season.

"As a player I want to play higher as well as I know for a fact we are going to challenge for promotion next season," he said to the club at the end-of-season awards held back in May.

“I know the recruitment of the club does and the players they bring in. We’ve got the players to challenge for promotion. If I’m in this team and we can challenge for promotion, it’s going to be great and I am looking forward to it.”

Rovers’ schedule for the 2023/24 season is to be come out on Thursday, with the League One fixtures released at 9.00 am. The EFL Trophy group stage will be at 11.30 am, and then the first round draw of the Carabao Cup will be at 2.00 pm.