Bristol Rovers summer signing explains factors behind move from Fleetwood Town

Jordan Rossiter says Bristol Rovers will act as a fresh start for his career after moving on from Fleetwood Town.

The 25-year-old was the first signing of the summer and was signed from the Gas’ League One rivals for an undisclosed fee.

Rossiter had still been in contract for a further season when Fleetwood decided to sell him but a reunion with Joey Barton acted as the next best move for the midfielder.

Rossiter, who was captain at Fleetwood at the start of last season but faced a number of niggling injuries, looked to the manager as someone who has helped shape his career given they both played in midfield.

He had also been a teammate of Barton at Rangers briefly and is looking forward to working with his fellow Scouser again.

Speaking to the club’s official YouTube channel, he said: “At Fleetwood, I really enjoyed my time there, I’ve got a lot to be thankful for there. I was just looking for a fresh start here. I’m looking forward to seeing a few fresh faces down there.

“I want to just enjoy my football. I worked with the gaffer before at Fleetwood and he was someone who helped me a lot as a player. He improved me every day and I was learning something new and I was playing the same position as the gaffer when he played.

“I’m looking to learning every day from the gaffer and getting involved in what will hopefully be a successful season.”

Rovers may have only been away from League One for the past season, but they have recruited a player that is knowledgeable of the division.

At Fleetwood for the past three seasons, he has accumulated 60 appearances, scoring one goal and is a signing that can be seen to give some third tier experience squad that have some individuals that haven’t played at this level.

The former Liverpool academy player could pull on the shirt for the first time on Friday evening (July 1) when the pre-season schedule begins as Rovers make the short trip to non-league Melksham.

“It’s a tough league,” he admitted. “It’s very competitive with a lot of good teams. Especially with teams on a bit of a roll from last season and the momentum they’re carrying in from promotion.

“I think we’re going to have a very successful season. The lads seem a great group of boys, the signing the gaffer has made so far, everything is looking positive. I’m just looking forward to putting the shirt on for the first time.”