Apparently we are "close to signing" Isaac Hutchinson from Walsall. He's an attacking midfielder with a great goals, assists and fitness record so he sounds like he could be an excellent signing. He'll likely be a replacement for Antony Evans which is a pity as we seem destined to lose him to Pompey (probably). We should get a decent fee for Evans and I expect we'll be paying quite a bit for Hutchinson. Exclusive: Bristol Rovers closing in on deal for highly-rated League Two goalscoring midfielder - Bristol Live (bristolpost.co.uk)
It's official - Isaac Hutchinson's our first signing of the summer - welcome to Bristol Rovers Isaac! Bristol Rovers sign midfielder Isaac Hutchinson | Bristol Rovers FC
Cameron Dawson has signed for Rotherham after leaving Sheffield Wednesday. The signing of Hutchinson worries me , he doesn't appear to be injury prone
From Dan Hargraves... Bristol Rovers' proposed move for Cameron Dawson is off with the goalkeeper opting to stay close to home and move to Rotherham. Understand personal terms had been agreed but delays in getting the deal over the line allowed the Millers to swoop in. JCH all over again!
Clinton Mola’s signed. A defender, he was released by Reading and has played for Stuttgart in the Bundesliga.
I missed this bit.... "With 20 goals and 19 assists in the last two seasons with Walsall" - I'm excited about this guy!
Rovers are in talks with 23year old Ruel Sotiriou of Leyton Orient, he has apparently turned down an offer of a new contract but Rovers will have to agree a fee for him as he is under 24 and came up through the Orient youth system 11 goals and 5 assists helped Orient to 11th place in league 1 after promotion in the 2022/2023 season further information on Bristol Live And according to Football insider Taylor Moore is undergoing his medical at the training ground today after agreeing to join Rovers on a free transfer
We’ve signed Sotiriou - he was Orient’s top scorer last season and a Cyprus international. Good work so far in terms of signings. And greetings from Glastonbury - it’s beautiful here and the bands haven’t even started yet!
You have just beaten to it I was just getting ready to put the entry about our new signing on, notice it seems to be 3 year contracts with an optional year. enjoy Glastonbury Bluebaldee and try not to get to wet with the forecasted storms
We've signed Bryant Bilongo, 22 year old LB from Middlesbrough for an undisclosed fee. And we have signed Joel Senior, 25 year old RB from Morecambe - subject to FA and EFL ratification.
We've actually made some good signings on paper. All young and potential to improve and long enough contracts where we could get a good fee to help us be sustainable, which is what the club has been trying to do. Isaac Hutchinson - 24 year old creative playmaker/midfielder signed from L2 club Walsall. He's scored goals and made assists for fun over the last 2 seasons (39 in total). 3 year contract plus option for a 4th year. Clinton Mola - 23 year old versatile defender signed from fellow L1 club Reading. He's also played in the Bundesliga and is a former England U21s international. 3 year contract plus option for a 4th year. Ruel Sotiriou - 23 year old striker signd form fellow L1 club Leyton Orient and was their top scorer last season with 12 goals. He is involved with the senior Cyprus national team as well. 3 year contract plus option for a 4th year. Dan Ellison - 19 year old centre back signed from Chippingham from the National League South. Interest was high in him as he was also wanted by Derby and Sheff Wed. 2 year contract plus option for a 3rd year. Bryant Bilongo - 22 year old left back signed from Championship club Middlesbrough for an undisclosed fee. He has bags of pace and had interest from Premier League sides before being signed by Middlesbrough mainly used in their development squad. 2 year contract plus option for a 3rd year. Joel Senior - 25 year old right back signed from L2 side Morecambe. He made 50 appearances in all competitions last season and won their players player of the season and fans player of the season. He was also in L2 team of the season. 2 year contract plus option for a 3rd year.
I've also liked what the players been saying about joining the club. I know they obviously ain't going to say anything bad or negative of course but it shows the club is working hard to attract players to us.
Isaac Hutchinson interview: “I am really happy to be here at Bristol Rovers. I’ve had really good conversations with the manager and everyone at the Club, and I’m delighted to join. I’ve always known Bristol Rovers is a big club. I’ve played at The Memorial Stadium before and the home fans always create an incredible atmosphere. Things like that, as well as the conversations I’ve had, have made it clear to me that the Club is moving upwards. Everything here is positioned around moving forwards, improving across the board, and it’s exciting to join the Club and be a part of it.” Manager Matt Taylor welcomed Hutchinson to the Club: “We are delighted to bring Isaac to Bristol Rovers. Isaac has proven his ability over the last two seasons with Walsall and, at 24, has even further he can go in terms of his development. Isaac will bring even more energy and passion to our midfield and I am looking forward to working closely with him in the coming season and beyond.”
Clinton Mola interview: “With the ambition that comes from the manager, the coaching staff, and from above too, this is a very positive Club to be at. When you have a Chairman and a Board of Directors who are ambitious, that trickles down in the right way through the entire Club. For me, that’s one of the most positive things about being here.” Manager Matt Taylor welcomed Mola to the club: “Clinton is a versatile defender who possesses some fantastic attributes. He has gained some great experience despite being only 23 years of age. We are looking forward to providing Clinton with the support and consistency he requires to get his game in the best shape possible."
Ruel Sotiriou interview: “I’m feeling really happy to be here. I’m very excited to join Bristol Rovers. I know this is a big Club and I can’t wait to get going. I think it’s clear to see this Club is just going to go higher and higher. There is a clear plan in place to take Bristol Rovers to the next level. I know the stature of the Club is already big but it’s exciting to think where it could be in the near future too. With the improvements coming across the board, it’s a big challenge and an exciting one too. To play for a Club like this is going to be brilliant.” Manager Matt Taylor welcomed Sotiriou to the club: “It is a pleasure to welcome Ruel the Club. Ruel has shown his goalscoring ability in the last few years and proved he can find the net in League One last season. The challenge now is for Ruel to build on his form and continue to get even better, not just in front of goal but in his all-round game, and we’re looking forward to helping him do that here at Bristol Rovers.”
