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.
9. RW: Scott Sinclair
Sinclair’s return to Rovers was one of the stories of the season. Eight goal contributions is respectable, and his influence in the dressing room will have rubbed off on the younger players. At 34, his best days may be behind him, but he’s proven he can still be a handful. | Getty Images Photo: Michael Steele/Getty Images
10. ST: John Marquis
11 goals in all competitions across 42 games isn’t a bad return. Marquis missed a few games in the winter, and had to settle for a substitute role a lot of the time, but towards the end of the campaign showed his worth. With the right service, he could get double figures in the league. | Getty Images Photo: Michael Steele/Getty Images
11. LW: Aaron Collins
He’s contracted, and the feeling is he’ll stay... Joey Barton and Collins himself have hinted he should be playing for the Gas on the final day of the campaign. 16 goals and 11 assists altogether is an amazing return for a below mid-table team, and the expectation now will be to match that or better it. | Getty Images Photo: Michael Steele/Getty Images