Bristol Rovers and Stockport reported target makes decision to join hometown club from Wigan

Bristol Rovers have seemingly missed out on the chance to sign Wigan Athletic’s Luke Robinson after he joined Tranmere Rovers.

Robinson signed a new deal with the Latics before immediately being loaned out to the League Two outfit.

It was said before the end of June by Football Insider that the Gas had renewed their interest in him having reportedly been a target in January, though the club did not recruit a full-back in that period.

A left-back was one of the positions that Joey Barton was looking to recruit in with the manager wanting five to seven new arrivals.

With 31 appearances in League One, Robinson would have added some experience of third tier football to the back-line. Despite predominantly being a left-back, he can also play at centre-back which will have been useful.

But now Rovers will have to look elsewhere in their search for more defensive reinforcements, as they prepare for the upcoming campaign.

Robinson will now look to recapture the momentum that he garnered in the early stages of his career and has made the move to his local club Tranmere in search of game time.

Robinson said: “I think this has been a long time coming and is the right time for me to go out and get first team football and as many games as I can.”

“It’s my home town Club, it’s what everyone dreams about being able to play for their local Club so hopefully I get the chance to do that.”

Their manager Micky Mellon said: “I’m delighted to bring Luke in. He’ll compliment the style of play we are trying to implement this season.”

“Squad depth is massively important with the number of games we play, Luke can play both full back and centre back so to be able to have Luke gives us the resources we need within the squad.

“He was in and around the Wigan side that won League One last season so he knows the hard work and standards that needs to be put in to get promoted.

“He’s a local lad so knows what the Club is all about which is always an important part of being a Tranmere player.”