Bristol Rovers record sale signs Aston Villa deal as rivals compete for striker signing

Bristol Rovers continue their pre-season preparations out in Portugal in a warm-weather camp in what is the last few days of their time abroad.

The Gas are away from England for the week as the team bonds in the Iberian Peninsula, which will hopefully put them in good stead for the 2022/23 League One season.

The squad had been out there in the earlier part of the week and later John Marquis joined up with them after joining on a two-year deal following his short-term spell at Lincoln City.

More transfers are to be expected and there was an update provided yesterday on what might happen next in their pursuit of Elliot Anderson, who was a success at the Mem last season.

Below are the stories from around Bristol Rovers and their league rivals with some movement elsewhere…

Rovers academy graduate signs new deal at Aston Villa

Academy graduate Kyrie Pierre has signed a new deal with his current club Aston Villa, as he hopes to battle his way into the Villains’ first team.

Pierre made the move from the Gas to Villa Park last year having started his career with the south-west club. It saw Rovers earn a record payment received by the academy at the time and helped towards funding the academy for further seasons.

The Bristol-born midfielder made 17 appearances in the U18 Premier League last year, getting two goals and an assist. He also had a cameo appearance for the their Under-23’s team in the Premier League 2.

Season tickets off sale

Bristol Rovers have set a new 10-year high for season ticket sales which will guaranteed a packed out Memorial Stadium in almost every match.

The Gas have sold over 5,000 tickets now and have had to temporarily take them off sale to supporters as they explore different options to welcome more supporters.

It is impressive given that their average attendance last season was around the 7,500 mark so already that could be surprassed as they look forward to life back in the third tier.

Excitement is building around the club as they prepare for life back in League One under Joey Barton and the fans have certainly shown their commitment.

Their opening two home matches against Forest Green Rovers and Oxford United have sold out, whilst Shrewsbury Town is also approaching a sell out.

Tickets for their first away trip of the season against Burton Albion have gone on sale and they have been allocated 1,648 tickets at the 6,912 capacity arena.

League One rivals eye striker

Portsmouth and MK Dons are both interested in signing Accrington Stanley striker Colby Bishop this summer.

The Nottingham-born man joined John Coleman’s side from non-league outfit Leamington back in 2019 and he has since scored 24 goals in 74 games.

Football Insider claim Pompey and the Dons are battling it out to snap him up ahead of the new season.

Sheffield Wednesday bring in two new signings

Sheffield Wednesday have bolstered their defensive department by bringing in Reece James and Akin Famewo from Blackpool and Norwich City respectively.

James, who worked with the Owls’ boss Darren Moore at previous club Doncaster Rovers, has joined on a season-long loan, whilst Famewo has signed on a permanent basis after spending last term with Charlton Athletic in League One.

Wednesday are assembling a strong squad in this window and have also brought in the likes of Will Vaulks, Michael Smith and Michael Ihiekwe.