Bristol Rovers marquee signing on recapturing form and Aaron Collins partnership

The summer arrival is hopeful of making a big impact since arriving at the Memorial Stadium earlier this summer

John Marquis has vowed to get back to his best at Bristol Rovers as he looks to recapture his prolific form of his previous clubs at this level.

The 30-year-old signed for the club back in June and has been their last summer signing since with no further additions since July 4, despite the obvious desire for more new recruits.

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Marquis joined on a free transfer and was hailed by first-team manager Joey Barton last week as one of the best striker’s in the division.

The striker has scored nine goals in his past two campaigns, however if manager Joey Barton can get him to replicate some of the form he displayed with Portsmouth and Doncaster. The Gas could have one of the divisions finest on their hands – and Marquis wants to prove exactly that.

“I don’t think off the top of my head there’s many strikers that have scored more goals than me in League One over the last five or six years,”

“I know what I’m capable of and it’s just a case of getting back to enjoying my football and playing with a smile on my face.”

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Rovers’ new number nine scored 62 goals in 136 games at Doncaster and helped them to get promoted to League One and stay there before being snatched by Portsmouth for a fee rumoured to be around the two million mark.

His three years on the South Coast were hit and miss and ended up with a short term deal at Lincoln for the end of last season, before being signed by Rovers.

He said: “As soon as I spoke to the manager, it was a conversation I enjoyed, he spoke to me about things I can improve and get better. I saw the facilities and my mind was made up really.

“I know that player is still in there and I know there’s still more to come from him – hopefully I can get back and reignite the form that I’ve had over the past few years,” he said.

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Marquis also spoke about his partnership with Aaron Collins – the club’s top goal scorer last season and as a more experienced head, he hopes that he can contribute on and off the pitch.

“Aaron is off the bat of a really good season, I’ve sort of said to him this is the time to kick on even more now," he added.

"He’s really good at taking advice, whether it’s from other players or the manager so I’ve been really impressed with what I’ve seen

“At the stage I am of my career, I think I’ve still got a lot to give on the pitch and a lot to give off it, if I can help some of the younger players along the way that’s great.”

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