“Dreams come true” - Jevani Brown’s message to Joey Barton after Bristol Rovers transfer

Jevani Brown is hoping to make Joey Barton’s dreams come to by leading Bristol Rovers in to the Championship.

The 28-year-old became the Gas third signing of the summer transfer window, putting pen-to-paper on a two-year deal at the Memorial Stadium. Brown joined on a free transfer after his contract at Exeter City wasn’t renewed, though Gary Caldwell did open the door for him to return, but he instead opted for a move to the Mem.

Brown, made his debut in League One last season, and got 12 goals and nine assists for the Grecians in his debut campaign in English football’s third tier. He linked up with his teammates for the first day of pre-season on Monday, and could feature in their first friendly match which is against Melksham Town on Friday, June 30.

“I’m delighted to be here, I can’t wait to get started,” said Brown in an official interview with the club.

“I’m just really looking forward to the season now.From speaking to the gaffer I feel like where he sees the club going he’s got big ambitions and it’s definitely something I want to be a part of.

“He’s really looking to push and try and get the club in to the Championship. I would say that’s probably my aim, hopefully signing here and getting some game time, I can help make his dreams come true.”

Brown’s transfer to the West Country sees him reunite with League One’s best player from last season Aaron Collins. The pair had previously worked together for a short period at Forest Green Rovers in the 2019/20 season. He played five games for FGR, and lined up alongside Collins in two games, but maintained a friendship off the pitch after the two went their separate ways.

Describing his relationship with Collins, he said: “I’ve known Azza from before after most games we’d be messaging like going back and forth. I think that was very good competition for me last year and in the end he won the award and I was buzzing for him.

“It was a case of our first training session we were kind of on the same wave length as players. The season got cut short that year because of COVID but within that time, we definitely built up a bit of relationship on and off the pitch.”

Brown’s arrival will see strength in depth in the forward positions, and last year he mainly played as an attacking midfielder, providing support to the striker. As for where Brown could fit in to Rovers, he has opened up on his favoured position.

“My best position I’d say is an attacking midfielder,” he admitted. What people nowadays call a number 10 role. I’d say that’s my best position if you ask me.”

The forward is due to appear in court next month, after he admitted assaulting a woman in the city of Exeter in February. He pleaded not guilty to a second charge of assaulting another woman on Queen Street in Exeter on 2 February. Brown was not chosen by Exeter until all legal proceedings had concluded, and did not play a match on February onwards, but did train.