Bristol Rovers fans told to be ‘excited’ as transfer business heats up

Andy Mangan says Bristol Rovers fans can get ‘excited’ over their next move in the transfer window.

The Gas have so far igned eight players so far with five permanent and two loan signings. Connor Taylor and Luke Thomas have returned, meanwhile James Wilson joined from League One winners Plymouth Argyle, and Jevani Brown who had a good season with Exeter City also joined.

It’s half-way through August and more players are beginning to become available as managers make final decisions on players. To date Rovers have signed just two loan players both from the same club but having used that market in the past are expected to use it more in the dying embers of the window.

Rovers have a midweek match away at Charlton Athletic on Tuesday night, before travelling to Cambridge United this weekend. A new signing featuring against Charlton might be unlikely but we could see some new faces this week according to Joey Barton’s right-hand man who has deputised for him for three matches.

Update: It is now being reported that England Under-20 captain Harvey Vale will be joining on a season-long loan from Chelsea. The 19-year-old was wanted by Joey Barton in January, and he has at last got his man with confirmation imminent.

“I’m sure things are going to happen next week and the fans will be really really excited.” Mangan said when anything was imminent transfer wise either in or out.

“I think the recruitment has been excellent this year I have to be totally honest. I think we’ve got every player that we have gone for.

“At times, we’ve missed one or two but that’s just for family reasons or whatever.”

New owner Mr Hussain AlSaeed is expected to back Joey Barton for the remainder of the transfer market. A reported fee of £300,000 has already been spent on Connor Taylor, and there is expected to be more money available to the Rovers boss to complement his team.

Mangan added: “I think the players we have brought in have been really really good.

“I think the fans should be very very excited.”