Former Coventry City star available for free after Bristol Rovers terminate contract

Bristol Rovers have decided to part ways with out-of-favour midfielder Zain Westbrooke by terminating his contract six-months early, bringing to an end a two-and-a-half-year association.

Westbrooke was due to be out-of-contract with the Gas in the summer but they have decided to let him leave the Memorial Stadium early, which could now free up wages that could reinvested back in to the playing squad. He is the fourth player to leave this transfer window with Trevor Clarke loaned to Shamrock Rovers, Alfie Kilgour sold to Mansfield Town, whilst Bobby Thomas loan was terminated and he subsequently joined Barnsley for the remainder of the campaign.

The 26-year-old joined from Coventry City on a three-year deal when Ben Garner was in charge, but since Joey Barton has taken over, Westbrooke has struggled to make his way into the team. Westbrooke returned from a loan spell at Stevenage last year and was made available for transfer last summer, but Rovers did not attract any offers for him.

A club statement said: "Bristol Rovers and Zain Westbrooke have mutually agreed to terminate his playing contract with the club. We would like to thank Zain for his efforts at the club and wish him all the best for the future."

The 26-year-old started Rovers' first League One game of the season against Forest Green Rovers but was then one of five players made available for transfer last summer. He went on to make two appearances in the EFL Trophy against Crystal Palace and Swindon Town but his last involvement was as an unused substitute against MK Dons in mid-December.

Westbrooke made 45 league appearances for the club in total across two-and-a-half-seasons, making 60 appearances in all competitions, scoring four times and earning nine assists. His best campaign saw him play 41 times with six assists and two goals, but Rovers suffered relegation in the same season.