Bristol Rovers midfielder returns to Memorial Stadium from successful loan spell

Midfielder Jerry Lawrence has returned to Bristol Rovers after his loan spell with non-league side Salisbury came to an end.

The 17-year-old joined the Wiltshire-club in November, initially on a one-month loan deal, and that was extended twice.He sustained an injury in December and missed a couple of games, but recovered from his injury and featured for the Whites.

His last appearance for Salisbury came in a 1-0 defeat to Plymouth Parkway, in which he played 74 minutes. He scored his first goal in senior football in November, scoring in their 3-1 win over Hartley Wintney. In total, he made seven appearances, and scored once.

In a 20-word statement, they said: "The youth loan of Jerry Lawrence has come to an end and he has returned to his club, Bristol Rovers."

He was coached by former Gas coach Brian Dutton, who is the manager at the Raymond McEnhill Stadium. Dutton was initially Under-23's assistant coach and overseas scout, after joining in March 2017, but nine months later was promoted to the first-team, and replaced coach Steve Yates. He left the club in December 2018, and later reunited with Darell Clarke at Walsall before succeeding him as manager in February 2021, but he lasted just 20 games.

Lawrence signed a two-year professional deal in October, and made several appearances for the first-team, before his loan move to Salisbury. He made his debut as a substitute in the 4-0 league win over Burton Albion in August, and also played against Plymouth Argyle and Swindon Town in the EFL Trophy.

Joey Barton has been impressed with Lawrence, and believes he has shown the qualities to be a part of his first-team. His advice was to work on the fitness aspect, but thinks he is a 'top kid' and that the fitness and coaching staff will help him achieve his goal. Lawrence is the closest player in the squad from the academy set-up to making the grade, with other players currently out on loan, all in the non-league.

As Lawrence is younger than 21-years-old, he does not need to be registered in their squad list, which was submitted to the English Football League last week. He is available for selection for the match against Ipswich Town on Tuesday, February 14 and for other matches moving forward.