Bristol Rovers’ retained list should be released in the next week or so which will give clarity on plans for next season.
A retained list gives us who is in contract, who has been offered a new deal, and who will be departing the club, which includes loan players. The Gas had a total of five loanees when the season concluded and all of them have since returned to their parent club.
Jarell Quansah had a week to remember after returning to Anfield, as he was first named in the England squad for the Under-20 World Cup and then given a new long-term deal by the Reds.
Aston Villa, Brentford and Middlesbrough’s seasons are still ongoing but Lamare Bogarde, Ellery Balcombe, and Josh Coburn can not play in their games. All three are in contract for next season and they will either hope for a first-team opportunity next year or go out again.
Lewis Gibson is back at Everton, but the 22-year-old is out of contract and Barton admitted he will do all he can to bring him back to the Memorial Stadium. Gibson donned the captain’s armband a few times this year and him re-signing would mean business.
The reliance on loan players means a large chunk of the 2022/23 squad will be gone, and that leaves just 17 players in contract next season. Some have had just a small taste of senior football, and it stresses the need for reinforcements.
In the meantime, though, we’ve taken a look at what Rovers’ strongest XI would be now based on those players who remain at the Mem and whether that provides an insight into what to expect on the recruitment front going forward.
1. GK: James Belshaw
James Belshaw’s the fan favourite and at the moment, it’s his position to lose. He could either be challenged by Jed Ward for the number one spot, or a new face will be brought in. He didn’t let himself down in League One, but Barton wants to concede less goals than this season. Photo: Pete Norton/Getty Images
2. RB: James Gibbons
Gibbons was a sound option in the 2022/23 season. He missed a few months of the season after looking promising, and then had spells in-and-out of the side. He’s a good option to have given he can play as a right-back or a centre-back in a three. Photo: Michael Steele/Getty Images
3. RCB: Luca Hoole
We’re in the Luca Hoole at right-back boat here, and believe that’s his best position but at the moment there’s a lack of centre-backs. He’s going to be a really important player for Rovers, and the fact he came through their academy means fans are hoping he can succeed. Photo: Michael Steele/Getty Images
4. LCB: James Connolly
A big summer in store lies ahead for Connolly. He rejoined after helping win promotion last year, but Lewis Gibson and Jarell Quansah ended up being the favoured partnership towards the end. Connolly showed a glimmer of his talents in April when Quansah was suspended, so here’s hoping he can find his form again. Photo: Pete Norton/Getty Images