Bristol Rovers transfer deadline day: Aston Villa and Stockport defenders announced
Bristol Rovers are on the search for new players as Joey Barton looks to bolster his squad to help his ambitions of gaining a second consecutive promotion.
'Dying embers' is a phrase that Barton loves to use, and that could be the case for today. No new names have popped up over the last week and so any player now could be someone that the Gas fans have not heard of before. The loan market is where Rovers have found value for money, with the relatively unknown Elliot Anderson joining on a season-long loan, and the rest was history.
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Hide AdThree new faces have arrived this month and all made their debuts in the 5-1 thrashing to Morecambe on the weekend. Ellery Balcombe replaced James Belshaw in between the sticks, meanwhile Jarell Quansah made his first start in professional football and Grant Ward made his first appearance in 11 weeks. Barton has spoken of an emphasis on recruiting young players and is willing to sign more loan players, despite there being a limit of five in a match-day squad.
In his post-match analysis, he did not rule more players departing the Memorial Stadium, with any departure now coming as a shock. It is surprising that Aaron Collins, who is one of the leading players in the division, has not had any speculation this month, but that is music to their ears, as losing him would be a massive blow.
Keep up to date with our transfer live blog, as we keep an eye on Bristol Rovers and their League One rivals, in what promises to be another busy day.
Bristol Rovers transfer deadline day LIVE: Joey Barton keen on new faces
Key Events
- Aston Villa loan Lamare Bogarde to Bristol Rovers
- Calum MacDonald joins from Stockport on short-term deal
- Bristol Rovers finish with five signings in the January transfer window
Mateusz Musiałowski is a name that has been spoken about today, and that’s because he was previously discussed this month. The Liverpool Echo said that in Joey Barton’s watching brief of Jarell Quansah, who he later signed, he was also impressed with Musialowski.
Michael Hector joins Charlton
Michael Hector has joined Charlton Athletic on a deal until the end-of-the-season. He had been training with Sheffield Wednesday, but the Owls put a stop to that, and now the Addicks have swooped in.
Anderson on the bench
No Deadline Day move for Elliot Anderson! He joined the Gas this time last year but is on the bench tonight against Southampton.
Final hour
We’re in to the final hour of the transfer window, and it’s fair to say that we’re unlikely to see those five new faces coming through the door at the Mem.
Aaron Collins speculation
In the last hour or so, there has been talk on social media about Swansea City bidding for Aaron Collins, but that is off the mark. The Swans are trying to sign Karlan Grant on loan from West Brom, and are unlikely to meet Rovers’ valuation of the 25-year-old.
Cambridge United have signed Wales international George Thomas on a deal until the end of the season after he was released by Queens Park Rangers.
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