Plymouth Argyle view on James Wilson as Bristol Rovers close in on first summer transfer

Bristol Rovers are closing in on their first signing of the summer transfer window.

The transfer registration period for the summer opened on Wednesday, June 14, and Gas supporters could shortly be celebrating their first arrival of the summer. Bristol Live say that personal terms have been agreed with James Wilson, who left Plymouth Argyle this week, and all that is left to be done is a medical that will take place at The Quarters.

Wilson’s arrival is a major relief, as Rovers needed centre-backs following Jarell Quansah and Lewis Gibson’s returns to their parent club. Joey Barton has mainly gone for young centre-backs during his tenure, but has gone in a completely different direction and is signing a 34-year-old who has just won the league.

To get more of an idea of what kind of player Rovers are getting once Wilson’s move is confirmed, we speak to Joe Bell from the Argyle Life podcast. He answered numerous questions, such as what system he best in, as well as his strengths and weaknesses.

What kind of player is James Wilson like?

‘Willo’ is a bit of a combative defender I would say. He arrived at the club after an injury plagued couple of seasons but played over 80 games across the last two seasons. He’s fond of the odd adventure with the ball at his feet and in all fairness is capable of putting in a decent cross from time to time.

At 34-years-old, there’ll be some question marks, but he played 41 games last season. Is he capable of doing that again, and how long has he got playing wise?

My gut feeling is that he’s left Argyle because we only offered a one year deal and he thinks he can get better. There’s no doubt he’s in the twilight years of his career but he’s still more than capable of being a solid defender in League One.

What his strengths, and what are his weaknesses?

He’s got a strong voice! He’s vocal, he does love a good conference with the match officials from time to time. As mentioned earlier he likes to try and get forward but his pace is a real question mark now a days. Although he often gave us 7/10 last season, the one problem with him was his pace and getting back for counter attacks.

He captained the team a few times last season, how are his leadership skills, and has he been an influence on any of Plymouth’s younger players?

I’m not sure on this to be honest, we’ve not had any central defenders break through whilst Willow has been with us as Halls has spent a lot of time away. He’s vocal, can be known to bark orders at the back.

What’s your understanding of why he left Home Park, and had he stayed with Plymouth, what kind of role would he have had?

As I said, my gut tells me it’s a length of contract thing that’s meant it’s time for him to leave as he wanted a bit more security. I get the sense, as much as I liked him as a player and an option, he’d have gradually

faded out into a squad player as the year went on

It looks like Plymouth played with three centre-backs last season, how does he fit in that system, and how’d you think he’d fare in a back-four system too?

You’re right! 3-4-2-1 was the system last year and he did a steady enough job without being flashy on the right side of the three. Regarding a back four I wouldn’t be sure, he’d need pace around him I think to be seen at his best but he’d be a solid option at that level for a side like Rovers who appear to need a character like Willow around the defence