What we expect and what might happen in the final days of Bristol Rovers transfer window

Bristol Rovers have under a week to conclude their transfer business as Deadline Day gets closer and closer.

The Gas have secured their priority target after re-signing Luke McCormick for an undisclosed fee from AFC Wimbledon.

Talk of a return to the Memorial Stadium had been spoken about publicly since June and after breaking down Wimbledon’s rearguard, they have a quality player at their disposal.

McCormick is slightly more experienced than Rovers’ other talisman Antony Evans at this level and the two can be fluid in their positions.

Fees have been spent on three players which shows Wael al-Qadi’s commitment to supporting Joey Barton in the market.

Despite McCormick’s arrival, there’s a desire to still have at least four new players at the club before the deadline.

Here’s the main talking points with seven days to go until the transfer window slams shut on Rovers and their league rivals.

What next?

After securing McCormick who for most clubs would mean good business, Rovers fans are keen for even more.

There are still a few positions that need a bit more depth as this is a 46-game slog and equipping yourself now is important.

Another attack-minded player is sure to follow as Elliot Anderson, Luke Thomas and Sam Nicholson all left this summer.

McCormick and Evans can play there, but so far Aaron Collins and Harvey Saunders have been playing on the wings with also an opportunity for Harvey Saunders.

Another winger in the mould of Thomas would be good as whilst he wasn’t a regular first-team player, he still could come off the bench and cause problems.

The centre-back department improved with the arrival of Lewis Gibson from Everton, but it still feels light, especially on the left-hand side. Gibson is the only left-sided centre-half, whilst James Connolly, Luca Hoole and Alfie Kilgour are available on the right, but Hoole could be returning to the right-side of defence in James Gibbons’ absence.

Another centre-back would be a bonus but the difficulty is that they may not be guaranteed game time, whereas Connolly and his partner last season Taylor played a majority of games. It makes it a hard sell for any other centre-back coming into the club as they will have to work hard to break into the team.

Central midfield is an area which is well covered with some versatility in there when Josh Grant returns, though his best position would be suited as a full-back.

There is scope to recruit another striker but it depends what is out there as John Marquis is expected to lead the line with Ryan Loft available as cover, whilst Aaron Collins of course an option there too. A Premier League or Championship loan striker with minimal financial risk would be an option, similar to how Portsmouth signed Dane Scarlett.

The loan wait

Last season, loanees made a big part of the squad with Elliot Anderson, Connor Taylor and James Connolly pivotal to the success.

This summer, Everton’s Gibson is the only player that Rovers are borrowing from another club.

Things could change now with the Carabao Cup second round fixtures played that Championship clubs may be able to release their younger players to lower league clubs.

Four more new players sounds a big ask but if loan players become available that could speed things up.

Anderson became available at the eleventh hour after a tip off from Newcastle United, so something similar could happen there.

Barton’s targets however have been identified and locked in for the last week or so, but things can change so whilst he may want some players, new opportunities can change things.

The frozen three

Alex Rodman, Trevor Clarke and Zain Westbrooke were all told earlier this month that they were free to find new clubs.

Clarke and Westbrooke started the season against Forest Green Rovers but after both being subbed off, Barton decided he wanted to ship them out and give opportunities to other players that he could see being at the club long-term.

Lewis Gordon was brought in to replace Clarke at left-back whilst the return of Luke McCormick has pushed Westbrooke down the pecking order even more.

Alex Rodman meanwhile had his contract renewed under the previous regime, though his new wage isn’t too much of a financial burden, revealed Barton in one of his press conferences.

It would however be a boost if Rovers could at least move the players they don’t see in their plans off of their books so any money can be reinvested into the first-team but moving them out is easier said than done.

Westbrooke had an unsuccessful loan spell at Stevenage last year whilst Clarke will need to work hard to show any prospective club he is able to play regularly after injury problems last year.

Rodman meanwhile missed a majority of the last campaign and is a player towards the end of his career.

For all three players, Thursday’s deadline may not apply to them as they may all have to settle for a move to the non-league with that window still being open for permanent transfers too.

The EFL Trophy is hardly a priority so it would be interesting whether they would be played on Tuesday evening against Plymouth or whether they are completely out of the first-team picture even in secondary competitions.

Rovers have a relatively small squad and this competition is mainly for development players, though the lack of an Under-21’s team makes it difficult.

What is likely to happen?

Until the signing of McCormick this week, Rovers had made six signings from the start of June onwards, now there is a desire to recruit almost the same number in a shorter period of time.

Deadline Day can cause clubs to panic as they try and equip themselves best until it all begins again in January, though that is a tougher window to navigate through.

Rovers aren’t too hamstrung by any wages going on players that might not feature in the side. The owner has shown his full support for the manager so should the staff suggest a target or things change that suits them in their favour, a deal will likely happen.

A midweek match is an annoyance but it shouldn’t impact things too much, there should be at least one more new face in before the window shuts.