League One teams continue to assemble their squads for the 2022/23 season in the hope of achieving their goals.
Some teams like Derby County and Sheffield Wednesday have had a flurry of transfer activity in the last week or so.
Bristol Rovers meanwhile have brought in John Marquis, who linked up with them in Portugal, but no other player has come through the door after him.
A centre-back looks to be the next position that the club needs to strengthen as they seek a partner for James Connolly, who worked so well with Connor Taylor last year.
A lot of the better centre-backs have been snapped up but there are still some players that could be worth pursuing.
There’s a real mixed bag of high-end centre-backs and then some who need to build up some match experience. Some have had experience of playing in the third tier whilst others could make the step up.
All free agent centre-backs are listed below - would any of these be of a good fit at the Memorial Stadium?
1. Sam Hutchinson
Sam Hutchinson regularly featured for Sheffield Wednesday last season and was involved in the play-off defeat to Sunderland. His career has mainly been in the Championship with the Owls and he can play in various positions but centre-back is probably the most favoured position. Given his availability, a move for the 32-year-old could be a wise one. There is competition however from Reading, where he is seemingly on trial. Photo: Jacques Feeney/Getty Images
2. Paul Downing
Vast amount of experience in League One over the years mainly for Walsall but also had a spell with Blackburn and Portsmouth. Spent last season with Rochdale in the fourth tier but still an experienced head to consider. Photo: Alex Burstow/Getty Images
3. Rhys Bennett
Another player who’s able to play as a centre-back but also as a defensive midfielder. Bennett has been in League One and Two for a few clubs in his career and last year juggled between Gillingham and Morecambe, both near the bottom end of the table. Bennett’s experience could be valuable alongside James Connolly who is stil making a career for himself. Photo: Kate McShane/Getty Images
4. Aaron Pierre
With more than 273 appearances in the Football League, Pierre is another player that could be of interest though his best years could be behind him. The 29-year-old played 25 times for Shrewsbury Town last season but was allowed to leave. Photo: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images