AI names five transfers Bristol Rovers can make to bounce back to League One after relegation to fourth-tier

Bristol Rovers’ three-year stay in League One came to a halt after a 2-0 defeat to Reading consigned the club to relegation back into League Two. It truly has been a season to forget for supporters, who endured a 16th defeat on the road in Berkshire while largely failing to lay a glove on their play-off chasing opponents.

It marked the eighth defeat in a nine game run without a win, which has seen the Pirates fall from near certainties to survive with a nine point advantage on Burton Albion after 36 games to already being relegated before playing the season’s final contest against Blackpool at Bloomfield Road.

“When I arrived, I felt that there were a lot of bad things that weren't because of the previous manager. I respect him a lot,” said Inigo Calderon. "But it's true that when I came to the club there were a lot of things that I didn't like. Too many."

It is unlikely that Calderón will be in the dug-out when the Gas begin their campaign in League Two, with many fans demanding a fresh start both on and off the pitch. More than 1000 Rovers fans have now signed an open letter to club owner, Kuwaiti businessman Hussain AlSaeed, saying that they are “devastated by what has happened to our club and we are desperate for answers.”

The club currently faces plenty of uncertainty in the weeks and months to come. Both on the managerial front and playing personnel. It’s difficult to predict what happens next, but with the help of AI we’ve taken a look at the players Bristol Rovers should sign to get them an instant promotion back to the third tier next term.

How AI thinks Bristol Rovers should rebuild their defence

Using X’s Grok tool, we asked AI to name five realistic targets for Bristol Rovers to sign to help aid their rebuild next season. It listed one player per position and ruthlessly claimed that there were weaknesses in the goalkeeping department, defence, midfield and attack that all needed bolstering, although it’s fair to say that some of its suggested targets were far fetched to say the least.

The first name that popped up was goalkeeper Josh Griffiths. He of course, played regularly this season and impressed in his 28 outings before being recalled from his loan spell by parent club West Brom after Alex Palmer’s move to Ipswich.

Griffiths has played five times for West Brom since his return and would be a popular signing on loan. However, he’s not played in the fourth tier since winning promotion with Cheltenham in 2021 and probably has enough credit in the bank from previous loan spells to earn a move to at least a third tier club given his achievements so far.

The second name on AI’s list is centre-back Luke Leahy. He’s enjoying a fine season in League One and has been a regular for promotion-chasing Wycombe. He’s approaching the final months of his contract but has arguably done enough to earn a Championship move so there’s little chance of him dropping down.

How AI thinks Bristol Rovers should bolster midfield and attack

AI’s Grok tool believes Bristol Rovers should target Joe Morrell. The 28-year-old went from playing at the World Cup for Wales to having nobody to play for inside 18 months due to a series of injuries and hasn’t played professionally all season.

If he can get back to full fitness, he’d be a real coup on a free transfer, having formed part of Portsmouth’s League One winning team back in 2023/24. Another suggested target in the attacking midfield department is Elliot Lee. The 30-year-old registered seven goals and three assists for Wrexham to help them to promotion to the Championship and is likely to remain with Phil Parkinson’s team next term.

Meanwhile, another AI suggestion and arguably the most far-fetched of the lot is a move for Portsmouth frontman Colby Bishop, who has scored 11 in 31 Championship games next season, making him highly unlikely to move to even a League One side nevermind one in the fourth tier.

What it tells us is that although AI can pick out a good player they’re unlikely to be drafting up any scouting reports this summer to help Bristol Rovers climb back into League one.

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