Bristol Rovers defender ‘fully deserving’ of call-up as as Forest Green name new boss

The days are counting down now for Bristol Rovers out-of-contract players to sign their new contracts.

Antony Evans and Sam Nicholson are the two that the Gas can not afford to lose as they prepare for life in the third tier next season.

It’s been over a week since Joey Barton said that there would be clarity to come in the next seven to ten days on both players’ futures.

The feeling back then was that he was optimistic that they would stay at the Memorial Stadium and that if Evans were to stay it would be a strong start to the transfer window.

As well as Rovers, other clubs in League One have been busy, either looking for new managers or signing new players for the upcoming campaign.

Below are the latest stories in League One as Bristol Rovers find out more information on their opponents

Rovers defender fully deserving of call-up and could return to Gas?

Paul Bodin says Bristol Rovers loan defender James Connolly was fully deserving of his call-up.

The 20-year-old has been on the watch of the Welsh age grade team for quite some time, even at Blackburn Rovers, but wasn’t able to force his way into the team.

Connolly however burst onto the scene with Rovers this season and made 24 appearances as he helped the Gas to promotion.

As a player who will turn 21 in November, Connolly’s time with the Dragons could be short but over the next few weeks, the defender could force his way into the plans of Bodin.

"He is a player who fully deserves his call-up," Bodin said in an interview with WalesOnline.

"I watched him many times in the under-23s, we are regular watchers of the under-23s, analysing them. James got an opportunity to go out on loan with Bristol Rovers, Luca Hoole there as well, so it was good to go and watch them. Both of them have had fantastic seasons.

"James is an uncompromising centre-half, a strong, powerful boy. He was in the system a few years ago when he was at Blackburn, but never quite broke into the various age groups.

"It’ll be interesting to see what happens with him in the future, whether he can get in Cardiff’s first team at Championship level or maybe go back to Rovers and have another season in League One.’

Forest Green appoint Notts County boss

Ian Burchnall is the new man in charge of League Two champions Forest Green Rovers. The 39-year-old has left National League outfit Notts County after their play-off defeat and has moved up two divisions.

The 39-year-old takes charge of his first job in the Football League and succeeds Rob Edwards, who left just days after delivering his side the league title.

Burchnall was previously the manager of Swedish outfit Ostersund, who once had Graham Potter as their boss.

"I’m really delighted to sign at FGR and be part of what is an exciting chapter in the club’s history," Burchnall said.

"I am grateful for the opportunity to come and lead the club and the challenge of football in League One was just too good to turn down, especially at a progressive and forward-thinking club."

Portsmouth defender signs new contract

Sean Raggett has signed a new two-year contract with Rovers’ league rivals Portsmouth. The defender was at Lincoln City with boss Danny Cowley and now he wants to get the club to the Championship after winning the Supporters’ Player of the Season award.

The 28-year-old has been at Fratton Park since joining on loan in 2019 and has made almost 150 appearances for Pompey.

"I said when I first arrived that my aim was to get this club into the Championship and that’s still the case,” he said to Hampshire Live.

“It was a simple decision to stay for another two years because I want nothing more than to be successful with Pompey.”

Manchester United goalkeeper appointed Ipswich Town coach

Lee Grant, who recently retired after a spell at Manchester United, has joined the goalkeeping staff of Ipswich Town.

He reunites with Kieran McKenna, who previously worked with Grant during their time together at Old Trafford.

The 39-year-old made two appearances in a four year spell with the Red Devils and was mainly a third choice goalkeeper, acting as cover for David de Gea and Dean Henderson.

“I have worked with Kieran and Martyn Pert before at Manchester United, and the work, from a playing perspective, was really enjoyable and beneficial,” he said to the Tractor Boys club website.

“Now I have the opportunity to be part of their team and I am so excited. “In terms of my playing career, it has been on my mind for the last couple of years to retire, but I had a good opportunity at United.”

Player opts to depart Lincoln City

Lincoln City midfielder Conor McGrandles has told the Imps that he is leaving when his contract expires.

After 91 appearances after joining from MK Dons, McGrandles became a key part of their side. This season he played 45 games and captained them on a number of occasions.

Lincoln did make an attempt to keep him at Sincil Bank but according to ‘The Lincolnite’ he is to explore different options.

Director of football Jez George said: “We were fortunate enough to sign Conor on a free transfer two years ago and another club will benefit in the same way this summer. “We can only thank Conor for his contribution over the past two seasons, for the many memorable moments and wish him well for what comes next in his career. He leaves with the respect and genuine best wishes of all the players and staff.”