Bristol Rovers legend released by Stevenage as midfielder returns to Mem from loan

Out-of-favour Zain Westbrooke has returned to Bristol Rovers following the completion of his loan at Stevenage.

After first-team opportunities were hard to come by at the Memorial Stadium after falling out of favour, he was loaned out to Rovers’ League Two rivals.

Following the completion of the 2021/22 campaign, the player has returned to his parent club where they will now decide on his future.

The 25-year-old is out of contract in 2023 and it is to be expected that club will make efforts to move him on, given the options in midfield and his status before his loan move.

Westbrooke was limited to just three league appearances before being sent out on loan to the Hertfordshire side.

Paul Tisdale was in charge when he made the loan signing but was sacked after just three months following a poor run of form.

He was replaced by former Gillingham, Leeds United and Peterborough boss Steve Evans, who helped keep the Boro up.

First-team opportunities were hard to come by once the change in manager came and he ended up being not included in the final eight match day squads of the season. In total, he made 12 appearances for Stevenage in his short loan spell at the Lamex Stadium.

Following him out of Stevenage is three-time time promotion winner Chris Lines who has been released, as well as Ed Upson and James Daly.

The 36-year-old, who won promotion in 2007 to League One as well as back-to-back promotions in 2015 and 2016, had been with his former club for two seasons.

He made 31 appearances, scoring three goals, including a goal against Rovers in August, as well as three assists.

In reaction to his release, Lines said: “Been a pleasure Stevenage. Ups and downs, but that’s the game we love, and a fantastic effort from all involved to keep the club in the football league.

“Time to get back down to the south west and give my car and body a rest.”

Upson meanwhile was at Rovers last season, but moved to Newport County and then to Stevenage for the second part of the campaign.

The 32-year-old was on a six-month contract and played 15 times, earning one assist during his time with them.

James Daly was a teammate of Upson during Rovers’ relegation from League Two in 2021 and he hasn’t been kept on either.

The 22-year-old forward, signed by Ben Garner following their time at Crystal Palace together, played 15 times in the league but failed to find the back of the net.