‘Delighted’ - Joey Barton verdict as Bristol Rovers land Aston Villa prospect for second time

Joey Barton says he is delighted to be working with Lamare Bogarde again after Bristol Rovers signed him from Aston Villa on a season-long loan.

He returns to the Gas for a second spell having had a successful loan stint during the second-half of the 2022/23 season. The 19-year-old was drafted to train with Villa's first team earlier this week by Unai Emery, but now he will be preparing for another season in League One.

"We're all delighted to have Lamy back in with us," said Barton after confirmation of his loan move.

"He's a talented player and, although on loan, he comes in already knowing us from the time he spent with us last season. This is a chance for him to really kick on and show his talent, and hopefully, we can reap the benefit of that this season."

Dutch-born Bogarde played 18 times for Rovers last season, and started in all 15 of them, and was highly thought of during his time at the Memorial Stadium. His form whilst playing in the blue and white quarters earned him a call-up to the Netherlands Under-20's team back in March.

He is the eleventh signing of the summer, following the arrival of Jack Hunt, who joined on a free transfer yesterday, and the third to arrive on loan, all from Premier League teams. Rovers are allowed five season-long loanees, and have filled three of those spots with the signings of Matt Cox and Tristan Crama from Brentford.