Ex-Sheff Utd midfielder in post Bristol Rovers transfer as he finds new club after summer exit

Former Bristol Rovers club captain Paul Coutts has found a new home.

Coutts was one of five players to depart the Memorial Stadium this summer, and it was thought he might have returned. The 35-year-old was tipped to join Joey Barton’s coaching staff but plans failed to materialise and he has now found his next venture.

His playing career will continue after signing with Scottish side Inverurie Locos. The Locos play in the Highland League, which is the fourth tier of Scottish football, and is mainly amateur or semi-professional.

Commenting on the signing of Coutts, Locos boss Andy Low said: “Couttsy is a brilliant signing for the club and he will bring so much quality, knowledge and experience to us all, both on and off the park, having worked at the top level for so long.

“It’s one that has been in the background for a couple of months now and I always felt there was a chance during initial chats that we had, although admittedly even I felt this one was very ambitious.

“He had many full-time opportunities in England and Scotland but the mix of coming back home to his family whilst continuing playing locally, and back in the SHFL was what suited him best.”

The last few months of his career at the Mem were rocked after suffering a serious knee injury which curtailed his campaign. He took up an interim coaching role, but that was not continued into the next campaign.

His move back up to Scotland makes sense given his family are based up in Aberdeen, and now he will be able to continue his playing career whilst being closer to them. Coutts will have an opportunity to continue his coaching career with his new team, whilst he continues to study for his A Licence with the English FA.

To date, Coutts made 68 appearances across two seasons for the club, and helped them win promotion from League Two. During his time in England, he also turned out for Derby County and Sheffield United, helping the latter win promotion to the Premier League.