Midfielder departs Bristol Rovers despite injury crisis

Bristol Rovers have allowed one of their young first-team players to depart the club on loan.

The Gas suffered a 4-1 defeat to Burton Albion at the weekend, with the Gas left in 17th in the League One standings. One current Rovers player was elsewhere at the weekend however as his new club suffered the same fate as the club they have recently departed albeit on a temporary basis.

Midfielder Jerry Lawrence has joined Southern League Premier Division outfit Tiverton Town on loan for an unspecified period. He wasn't able to make his debut in the 2-1 defeat to league leaders Gosport Borough at the weekend however as his clearance didn’t come through in time.

He will now await his debut which might not come until Tuesday, November 7. Tiverton are third from bottom in the seventh tier of English football, and have won just twice in 13 games but Lawrence has been brought in to help change their fortunes around.

Interim manager Richard Pears said to the official club website: "Jerry is the type of player that I want to bring to this club – he’s hungry and determined to do well and is a natural hard worker that will give his all every time he plays.

“He will give us extra quality in the midfield as this has been an area where we have not had any consistency because of injuries and suspensions.”

Lawrence has been allowed to leave the Mem, having found first-team opportunities limited this season. Joey Barton has made several additions to his midfield includign Lamare Bogarde and Ryan Woods, and so the best course of action for the Rovers academy youngster was for him to go out on loan.

The 18-year-old is into the second-year of the professional deal he signed at the Memorial Stadium, and has got a move to the non-league to help build-up his experience in senior level football. He was the Academy Player of the Year last year, and made a handful of appearances in the EFL Trophy last term, as well as a substitute in the league against Forest Green Rovers on the opening day of the 2022/23 campaign. He made seven appearances season for Salisbury in the Southern League Premier, and made a positive impact.

In response to Lawrence's move to Tiverton, academy manager Byron Anthony said: "Make the most of the experience Jerry. Best wishes as you continue your development journey."

Earlier this month, Will Larvin joined Yate Town on loan, whilst Theo Lynden made the temporary move to Melksham Town. Ollie Dewsbury meanwhile represented Wales' under-16's team, and was named in their Victory Shield squad.