Cardiff City make Bristol Rovers loanee decision and Derby liquidation fears - League One headlines

The days continue to count down from when Bristol Rovers begin pre-season after more than a month since a game was played.

A 7-0 win over Scunthorpe United on May 7 feels a while back now but international football has been a welcome fix for those missing their trips down the Memorial Stadium.

Below are the headlines surrounding Bristol Rovers and their rivals in League One for the 2022/23 season

Cardiff City retain James Connolly

Championship club Cardiff have announced that they are retaining James Connolly for the 2022/23 season. The 20-year-old had been out of contract with the Bluebirds and whilst there is no public news of a new contract, he is to ply his trade in South Wales next year.

They had an option to extend his initial deal and it seems they have done so however BristolLive claim that Connolly had rejected their offer of a new contract and instead Cardiff have opted to keep him at the club on their own teams.

Connolly was a huge part of the defence that helped the Gas get promotion, playing 24 times and scoring once whilst keeping a raft of clean sheets.

He is due to make his international debut this weekend for Wales Under-21’s as they take on the Netherlands.

Rovers allowed to make five substitutions

Joey Barton will be able to make five substitutions in games next season after the EFL voted in a few changes at their AGM. Seven substitutes will be named on the bench and five can come off of it but they can only be introduced during three intervals.

Another rule change is that clubs can now wear their alternative kits at home if the proposed match could bring up a problem for those who suffer with colour blindness.

Derby County in danger of liquidation

Preferred bidder Chris Kirchner had been given a deadline of 5pm today (June 10) to complete the proposed takeover of the troubled club. Quantuma, who are administering the club’s takeover are in talks with other bids now such as former Wolves owner Steve Morgan, whilst Mike Ashley who owned Newcastle United was also an option.

The Rams are one of the favourites to win the division next year but there is now a threat that if their takeover doesn’t happen shortly, the club could soon fall out of existence. Sky Sports journalist Rob Dorsett tweeted: “I’ve been told exclusively this afternoon that two of the concrete offers to buy Derby County are ‘not easily redirectable’ and that means if Chris Kirchner’s deal to buy the club falls through, there is a real danger that Derby County could fall into liquidation.

Wycombe goalkeeper set for Sheffield Wednesday

Sheffield Wednesday are in talks to take goalkeeper David Stockdale from their League One rivals Wycombe Wanderers.

There is a report from YorkshireLive that claims that the 37-year-old could be the man to replace Bailey Peacock-Farrell who has returned to Burnley. Stockdale is a free agent and has been offered a new contract by the Chairboys but a move to Hillsborough could be in the pipeline.

Peterborough United want Ipswich Town striker

Peterborough United, relegated from the Championship last season, want to take Tyreece Simpson off of Ipswich’s hand according to the East Anglian Daily Times.

The 20-year-old has told the Tractor Boys he wants to leave but they are keen to at least get something for the player whether it be a fee. He had been out of contract this summer and told Kieran McKenna he wanted to leave but Ipswich have an option to extend his contract which would protect them from losing him for nothing.