Bristol Rovers transfer window begins – ins, outs, and deadline day details

The New Year has arrived, and with that, comes the opening of the January transfer window. Bristol Rovers are expected to do business but wholesale changes shouldn’t be expected.

During most of Joey Barton’s tenure, there has been plenty of chopping and changing, with a relegation and later a promotion during his almost two-year reign. Barton overhauled the squad built by Ben Garner, and then signed 11 players last summer, to prepare his side for the challenge of League One.

The target set at the start of the season was to reach 52 points and guarantee safety, but Barton isn’t a manager that wants to stand around and just wait for success to happen. Rovers have secured positive results against some of the division’s promotion chasing clubs, and so if a chance of getting in the top six is possible, Barton will try to recruit what is needed to bridge the gap.

Here’s all you need to know about what lies in store over the next month, and who we could see leave.

What are the January transfer window dates?

The January transfer window opened at midnight on January 1, 2023, and will remain open until 11pm on Tuesday, January 31. It means that there are just over four weeks for business to be done, which isn’t like the luxury of a summer window, but still enough time to make moves.

In the month of January, Rovers have six matches, including an EFL Trophy quarter-final clash with Plymouth Argyle. Despite Deadline Day being a Tuesday, which is the usual date for a midweek match, there is no match scheduled which should allow for transfer business to be done with no distractions.

Possible departures from the Memorial Stadium

In the aftermath of the defeat to Exeter City, Barton sent a warning to the squad, specifically to the defence. Rovers have conceded the third highest amount of goals this season and so defence is an area that could see some players moved on.

Zain Westbrooke, who arrived three years ago with big expectations, is available for transfer. Westbrooke has not played a league match since the opening day and was one of the players named by Barton that could be shipped out.

Academy graduate Alfie Kilgour is another that could depart. Kilgour had an injury last year that saw him displaced by James Connolly, who built up a partnership with Connor Taylor. Kilgour has been unable to force his way in against Bobby Thomas, Lewis Gibson and Connolly this term. A possible destination for him could be Newport County, which is relatively close to where he is based, and Graham Coughlan is in the hot seat at Rodney Parade.

Alex Rodman is in Rovers’ squad list, but has not played a competitive match this season. His contract was extended by a year, but he is not part of first-team plans, and was told he could leave in the summer.

The form of Aaron Collins, with 12 goals and nine assists this season, has not gone amiss, and there is expected to be some interest in the Welshman. Rovers know all too well however that losing their star striker can have an adverse effect, with Matt Taylor’s move to Bristol City, ending any momentum of a promotion push.

Rovers will need to address the future of Scott Sinclair, who joined on a short-term deal in October. The specific length of Sinclair’s contract is unknown, but it expires this month. Rovers are speaking to him and there have been positive talks, but there is a desire to keep hold of him, but it is needed from both parties.

Potential incomings at Bristol Rovers

The names that have been mentioned before the window was goalkeeper Myles Roberts, who’s on loan at non-league Welling United. Maxim Kouogun - a former teammate of James Belshaw at Harrogate Town - is another, he is currently on the books of York City.

Charlie Austin came in to train once, but Rovers decided against signing him. Austin signed for League Two outfit Swindon Town. A striker isn’t necessarily what is needed, given Rovers have assurances from Middlesbrough for Josh Coburn, whilst John Marquis is finding form, and Ryan Loft is back.

Before the window opened, Barton spoke of recruiting defenders, and didn’t rule out signing a goalkeeper. Belshaw has been his first choice since the start of last season, and was solid last year with 17 clean sheets, with most coming in the second part of the campaign.

Barton’s contact book is one he can use to his advantage, given his positive relationship with both Burnley and Newcastle United, whilst he also played for Manchester City.