Bristol Rovers praised, Cheltenham boss talks to leave, Sheffield Wednesday star update - League One headlines

The days are counting down from when preseason starts for Bristol Rovers with it being just over a month since they won promotion.

May 7 feels like a long time ago when the Gas did the unthinkable and overturned a five-goal deficit to get promoted on goals scored.

So much has changed already in that space of time with 13 players released, five loan players returning to their parent clubs and some players out of contract.

The transfer window is due to open in the next few days and we could see a bit more movement both in and out at the Memorial Stadium.

Below are the headlines at Bristol Rovers and some of their League One rivals next season

Rovers praised by Stoke academy coach

Gareth Owen, an academy director with Stoke City, has put praise onto Bristol Rovers for their success with Connor Taylor last season.

Taylor spent the entirety of the 2021/22 League Two campaign on loan and was a key part of the defence that got many shutouts in their run to promotion.

It proved to be a very successful loan for Taylor who celebrated with his supportive family on the weekend towards nearby Stoke.

“His progress is all credit to him and his family who have trusted us with his development,” said Owen in an interview with StokeLive.

“When I saw him play this season you can see his ability in the air has got considerably better, and playing in League Two has helped bring that on.

“He’s still good on the ball, as he was when he came through the door, and has a short and long-range pass, while being on loan has helped his leadership skills.

Michael Duff in talks over Cheltenham Town departure

It’s turning out to be a tough week for Cheltenham Town who lost their captain Will Boyle to Huddersfield Town and risk losing their manager Michael Duff.

The Robins confirmed on their website that he was holding talks with an ‘unnamed’ Championship club, believed to be Blackpool over the vacancy left there.

Theirs and Rovers’ League One rivals Barnsley also sought permission to speak to him and that has been approved.

The 44-year-old has a year left on his contract at Whaddon Road and Cheltenham are keen to enter talks over a new deal.

In their club statement, Cheltenham said: “Both the Club and Michael are keeping in regular contact with a view to settling his future position as early as possible. We have made him aware, in the clearest way possible, of our wish for him to stay and are hopeful that will be his ultimate decision.”

In-demand winger signs new terms at Portsmouth

Portsmouth have extended the contract of their winger Michael Jacobs, who will remain at Fratton Park for a new year.

The 30-year-old was out of contract this summer but has signed a new deal with Pompey, amidst interest from other clubs, namely League Two duo Northampton Town and Mansfield Town.

Commenting on the new deal, manager Danny Cowley said to the official club website: “We’re really pleased to be able to extend Michael’s contract because he played a pivotal role in our good run of form at the back end of last season.”

Moore signs new deal with Oxford

Oxford United have managed to tie down influential defender Elliot Moore to a new long-term contract, ending speculation about a possible departure.

The 25-year-old had been considered as a target for inter-city rivals Bristol City who already took Mark Sykes from the U’s, but now will now have to look elsewhere.

“I am more than happy here and have felt at home since the very first day I stepped through the door,” he said to the official club website.

“We have gone so close to winning promotion over the last few years and we are determined to be up there and get the job done this time around. “It’s good to get it sorted and now I’m looking forward to coming back for pre-season.”

Josh Windass set to stay put at Sheffield Wednesday

In what would have been a quite intriguing transfer, Josh Windass looks set to stay at Hillsborough after receiving interest from Argentinian outfit Atletico Talleres.

A report from the Sheffield Star says that a second bid was turned down  and now the South American side will look to different targets.

Interest has also emerged in Hull City forward Mallik Wilks, who would be seen as competition for Windass, rather than a replacement.

Forest Green sign Rochdale defender

Head coach Ian Burchanll has made his first new signing since taking over at the New Lawn and it comes in the form of defender Corey O’Keeffe.

The 24-year-old was on loan with the Dale last season from Mansfield Town and joined permanently on a six-month contract, making the move to the division above.

Last season, he got 10 assists and two goals in a side that struggled in League Two, finishing 18th in the division.

"I'm delighted to be here and can't wait to get going,” O’Keefe said to the official club website after making the move to the Nailsworth based club.

“When I heard about the option of moving to Forest Green I told my agent it was one I wanted to pursue because it's such a great fit."