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.
5. LB: Lewis Gordon
A brilliant find by the recruitment team. Gordon was a free transfer from Brentford, and opted for a move to the Gas over Palace. He was a sound option to have, and coped well with some of the leagues best attacks. He’ll have competition though, with either MacDonald signing a new deal, or a competitor being brought in. | Getty Images Photo: Alex Burstow/Getty Images
6. CM: Jordan Rossiter
If he can stay fit... Rovers can challenge. Rossiter missed a large part of the campaign with a torn meniscus but before his injury, he made the team tick. | Getty Images Photo: Ian MacNicol/Getty Images
7. CM: Sam Finley
The new captain... Paul Coutts and Glenn Whelan are retired so Finley will now assume that role. Three assists isn’t too bad, but there’ll be a hope of more to come from him. | Getty Images Photo: Pete Norton/Getty Images
8. CM: Antony Evans
Last summer was a case of will he or won’t he about Evans with fans desperate to see him re-sign. Evans can be satisfied with his contribution last season with five goals and three assists. He had to play a more defensive role at times, but can be a real important player moving forward. | Getty Images Photo: Harry Trump/Getty Images