Joey Barton: What ‘quality’ Hull City star Ryan Woods will bring to Bristol Rovers

Joey Barton says that the arrival of Ryan Woods will add ‘quality’ and ‘experience’ to Bristol Rovers, after he became the 12th signing of the summer.

Woods was announced as Rovers’ latest signing, in what is likely to represent one of the finishing touches to the summer transfer window for the Gas.

Rovers has become the seventh club of Woods’ career and it is understood that they fought off competition from Shrewsbury Town amongst others to sign him.

He has joined from Championship side Hull City, who made him surplus to requirements, following a stance from their manager Liam Rosenior, who was keen to move him on after he told him that didn’t feature in his plans earlier this month.

Before Woods’ arrival, his new boss Barton had spoken about competition for places, and now with him signing, there is another player who will now battle for a midfield berth. The 40-year-old has played mainly with a 4-3-3 or a 4-2-3-1 formation this season, leaving two holding midfielders and one attacking.

"We are delighted Ryan Woods has agreed to join us on loan from Hull,” Barton said after his move was confirmed.

“Ryan is another player who adds both quality and experience to our group and I’m sure he will be a great addition creating more competition for places."

Woods has had an 11-year career in senior football, and this season he is all but certin to make over 400 league appearances in professional football. He could make his debut for the club when Rovers welcome Wycombe Wanderers to the Mem on Saturday, as they search for their first league win in front of their home supporters.