The 7 Bristol Rovers players set to become free agents next year

Bristol Rovers fans may witness a mass exit next summer, with a significant number of key first-team players still to renew their contracts.

Patrons of Memorial Stadium may not want to develop too attached to their present alumnae, since the Gas are projected to lose at least twelve first-team players, including loanees, by the season’s end.

This will not be unusual for Rovers, who have a high turnover rate in their team. During the 2023/24 season, 20 players departed the South West club.

What is troubling, however, is the caliber of players who are expected to go if the pen does not meet paper by July.

Furthermore, Matt Taylor relies significantly on loan acquisitions in his matchday teams. Josh Griffiths, Lino Sousa, Jake Garrett, Gaitlin O’Donkor, and Michael Forbes all set to return to their respective clubs in late May.

FLW looks at the squad’s permanent members who will be out of contract next summer.

Grant Ward

Grant Ward, a London-born midfielder, signed a short-term deal with the Pirates from Blackpool in January 2023. Ward signed a two-year contract with the club in June, following a strong start at Gloucester Road.

The former Spurs youth player has been troubled by injuries this decade, from rupturing his Achilles tendon with Blackpool to missing eight weeks with a hamstring ailment earlier this year. This will undoubtedly enter into the Gas’ mind as they consider an extension.

 

Luke McCormick

Another player prone to medical leave, Luke McCormick, is in his fourth season with the Gas.

The Cobham youngster joined Rovers on a season-long loan from Chelsea in 2020, and he was a rare bright spot in an otherwise disastrous season in which the team ended at the bottom of League One.

After a good year at AFC Wimbledon (despite yet another relegation), McCormick joined Joey Barton’s freshly promoted team on a permanent basis.

McCormick’s return to the Mem suggests that he likes life in Bristol, but since injuries and a lack of consistency have seen his Rovers career stall, it may be time for the Suffolk native to move on.

Scott Sinclair

Club captain Scott Sinclair is one of the most well-known players to have worn the blue and white quarters, and he contributes to the team both on and off the field.

Born in nearby Bath, Sinclair made his professional debut for the Gas in 2005 before joining Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea.

He returned to Rovers in October 2022 as a 33-year-old, having amassed a remarkable football CV in the interim.

With 119 Premier League appearances and 13 goals for clubs including Aston Villa, Chelsea, and Manchester City, as well as a Scottish Player of the Year award in an invincible Celtic side, his ability to compete at League One level is undeniable; however, as a player known for his pace and dribbling, time has caught up with the forward.

Sinclair received the captain’s armband after signing a one-year deal in July.

 

Chris Martin

Chris Martin, 35, was a revelation for the Pirates last season, scoring 16 league goals and amassing over 150 goals across three levels in the EFL.

Due to a damaged fibula in August, Martin’s 2024/25 campaign may not be as successful as his last one.

Though he will be out of contract in the summer, Rovers have the option of invoking the one-year extension clause in his contract.

 

Jack Hunt

Forward-thinking right-backs Jack Hunt appeared in 27 games for the Gas last season and is a fixture in Taylor’s plans when he is fit, swapping with Luke Thomas.

It is not surprising that Rovers will hunt for a younger successor for the 33-year-old to give cover and competition at right back.

 

James Wilson

Another player in his thirties, Welsh centre-back James Wilson, is a constant presence in Rovers’ back line.

Wilson joined Bristolian club from Plymouth Argyle in 2023, after Wycombe Wanderers failed to sign him.

While Rovers are not known for their defensive stability under Taylor, losing Wilson’s expertise may be risky, thus an extension makes sense.

 

Matt Hall

Matt Hall, a 21-year-old goalkeeper signed from Southampton’s academy last summer, did not appear for the team during 2023/24.

His first appearance, nearly a year after signing, came in the EFL Trophy against Tottenham Hotspur U21s. Hall conceded three times on the night and was unable to save any of the six penalties in the ensuing shootout.

Unfortunately for Hall, it looks that a stay in non-league is necessary to revitalize his slow, albeit early, career.

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