From our OS Bristol Rovers are delighted to announce that club Captain Mark McChrystal has agreed a new deal with the club. Rovers completed the signing of the Northern Ireland defender on 3rd January 2013 following his release by Tranmere Rovers where he initially joined the club on a short term deal until June 30th. He formed an impressive central defensive partnership with Tom Parkes and proved himself to be popular with supporters. He was offered, and accepted, a new permanent contract in the summer of 2013. The former Northern Ireland U-21 captain began his career at Wolverhampton Wanderers, and his time at Molineux included a loan spell with Bradford City. On his release from Wolves he signed for his local side, Derry City. In January 2007 he joined Partick Thistle and scored once in 15 league appearances for the Scottish outfit before returning to Derry City in August 2007 and joined Lisburn Distillery, on a short term contract, in late 2009. A third spell with Derry City followed before a move to Tranmere Rovers in January 2011and he went on to score once on 41 league appearances for the team from the Wirral. A one month loan spell at Scunthorpe, in November/December 2012 saw him play three league games for The Iron, and he was released by Tranmere on his return to Prenton Park. Mark scored his first goal for the club in last season’s JPT tie against Bristol City at Ashton Gate, on 4th September 2013. One of Darrell Clarke’s first actions, after taking over as manager with eight games of the 2013/14 season remaining, was to hand Mark the captain’s armband. Mark showed he is no slouch between the posts last season when he took over from the injured Steve Mildenhall in goal during our away game at Wrexham and he skippered the side in the Promotion Play Off Final at Wembley. McChrystal made 24 appearances for Darrell Clarke's side last season and was vitally important to the final push for promotion and Chairman Steve Hamer is pleased to have secured the services of the club captain "It's another good news day for the Club, anyone who watched Marks contribution to the teams efforts during the promotion run in will recognise what a stalwart he was for the team. It's a tremendous boost to have quality and experience in your squad for what will be an exciting forthcoming season" http://www.bristolrovers.co.uk/news...ith-the-club-3143911.aspx#3KX5Y4XSmIaIRjiE.99
Probably would of preferred to have seen Parks remain and McChrystal leave, an ageist comment I know but there we are.
Peter Hartley C/H signed from Plymouth on a free, Announced 15 minutes ago on Rovers news See his goals on Rovers news very good in the air
Bristol Rovers have today completed their first signing of the summer transfer window, with Plymouth Argyle centre back Peter Hartley joining the club from 1st July. The 28-year-old, who played a key role in helping Plymouth to the League Two play-off final last season, joins the club on a free transfer following the expiry of his contract with the Pilgrims. Hartley started his career at Sunderland on a youth contract, where he progressed through the ranks and signed his first professional contract in 2006. He made only one first-team appearance for the club, in January 2007, before joining Chesterfield on loan – where he impressed in his 12 appearances for The Spirites. In 2009, he signed for his hometown club Hartlepool United. It was here that his career really started to kick on, as he made 166 appearances for the club, scoring 10 goals. Hartley also won the Players’ Player of the Year award for his performances in the 2011-2012 League One campaign, as well as winning the League One player of the month award in February 2013. Following Hartlepool’s relegation in 2013, Hartley returned to League One with Stevenage for an undisclosed five-figure sum. He made 31 appearances for the club, scoring two goals, but was unable to save them from relegation. In June 2014, he signed for Plymouth Argyle, following his release from a disappointing spell at Stevenage. An impressive first season, in which he made 46 appearances and scored five goals, attracted interest from other clubs – including Scottish Premiership side Ross County – though he opted to remain at Plymouth and battle for promotion from League Two. Having spent much of the season at the top of the League Two table, a slump in Plymouth’s form led to them missing out on automatic promotion narrowly last time out. Though Hartley scored an emotional last gasp winner against Portsmouth to confirm a play-off final with AFC Wimbledon, they fell to a 2-0 defeat at Wembley.
Did DC know that Parkes was leaving before it was announced and sign Hartley as a replacement or was he looking to strengthen the defence and will now be looking for another central defender
I was told towards the end of the season that parkes was likely to be going... But that was only a rumour and not concerete..
Peter Hartley is a sound signing for you - very good in the air, with a lot of experience. Good luck next season
Not certain, as he is a Plymouth player, not one of ours. He scored against us with a header in the play-offs. Appears his fellow centre half Curtis Nelson could also, be on his way to Glasgow Rangers!
Left footer. Decent in the air but not very quick on the ground and is prone to make mistakes at times. Nelson, the other one Woopert mentioned was the pace that got him out of trouble quite a few times. Main atribute is committed and gives 100%. Also gobby type who leads. Thought he struggled sometimes in league 2 so no idea how he will do in league 1.
Ellis Harrison has signed a new contract with us. Length not known so I guess its just a 1 year extension.
