Bristol Rovers transfer news: Ex-Brentford, Birmingham City & Stoke City star signs from Hull City

Bristol Rovers have made completed the signing of Hull City’s Ryan Woods, who becomes their fifth and final season-long loan signing.

The 29-year-old brings a wealth of experience to the Memorial Stadium, having made 395 appearances in professional football in an 11-year playing career.

Woods has not been a part of the Tigers' match-day squads in the four games they've played this season, and was told by Liam Rosenior earlier this month that he would be made available for transfer by the Championship club.

He made 29 apearances last term for Hull in what was his the first of a three-year deal that he signed having joined from Birmingham City for an undisclosed fee. A move to the Mem has now been finalised, and he becomes the 12th signing of the summer transfer window ahead of next Friday’s deadline.

‘I'll put this on record as well," Rosenior said earlier this month in regards to why he was allowing him to leave Humberside.

‘He's a top player, a top lad but he's just not the right type for us at the moment in terms of our midfield options.

‘For me, I'm always honest with the players. I felt it was time to give Ryan that clarity to give him the opportunity. There's still four weeks left of the transfer window to find another club.

‘Ryan is a very good technical player, there's no falling out, there's no issue, it's just I see a different future for us moving forward.”

Woods has mainly played in the Championship, having appeared 274 times for various clubs with 16 assists and three goals but also played for Shrewsbury Town in the third tier. His primary position is defensive midfield but he is capable of playing in centre midfield, and as as a right-back.

Woods arrival means that Rovers have now fulfilled their season-long loan quota for the season, with a maximum of five players in an 18-man match-day squad. Rovers can still sign loan players but will be limited to short-term deals, and some may be left out as a result.

His move is likely to represent one of the last bits of business from the club, with Barton admitting to BristolWorld that he was ‘happy with his squad’ and that there was competition for places. Woods’ arrival means that Sam Finley, Grant Ward, Antony Evans, Luke McCormick and Lamare Bogarde are all competing for a starting berth in the centre of midfield.

Rovers also have long-term Jordan Rossiter to come back, though his return date is still uncertain, having damaged his meniscus last December.