The summer transfer window is in full flow and Bristol Rovers have begun to announce their latest intake. It does also mean that some will anxiously be keeping their eyes out for news of which players may be heading in the opposite direction and Bristol Rovers have a number of players likely to be of interest to clubs higher up.
Two of those prized assets, Connor Taylor and Jed Ward, may present a tricky dilemma for the Bristol Rovers hierarchy to avoid two nightmare scenarios from unfolding. Bristol Rovers are in a strong position when it comes to one, but not so much with the other.
| Bristol Rovers summer transfer incomings (as of midday 26/06/25) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Position | Last Club | Fee | |
| Brad Young | Goalkeeper | Leicester City | |
| Macauley Southam-Hales | Right Back | Stockport County | Free Transfer |
| Jack Sparkes | Left Back | Peterborough United | Free Transfer (Plus performance-based add-ons) |
| Alfie Kilgour | Centre-Back | Mansfield Town | Free Transfer |
Connor Taylor
23-year-old Connor Taylor has been subject to interest from League One side Peterborough United, with Rovers reported to have rejected an opening offer from the Posh. Taylor is also being looked at by other clubs in League One and Two, so Rovers may have a fight on their hands to retain their key defender.
Taylor only has a year remaining on his contract and, as with another key Gas player, Luke Thomas, Rovers will have to make a decision on whether to cash in on any interest or to open talks over a new contract – running the risk of the pair leaving on a free should no agreement be struck.
It’s worth considering that the Gas paid an undisclosed fee to Stoke when Connor Taylor signed, believed to be around the £300,000 mark, and Rovers may want to recoup some of this amount before they lose the opportunity if his contract should expire.
Despite being at the centre of critical team errors leading to conceding goals last season, Taylor was among the top performers and claimed Bristol Rovers player of the year for the 2024-2025 campaign.
Taylor is firmly a fan favourite at the Gas and has repeatedly demonstrated his passion for the club. Among supporter complaints of a lack of endeavour from many of the squad last campaign, Taylor was rarely, if ever-mentioned in that category. There was, however, criticism over his costly slips in concentration at crucial times and Taylor himself has been critical of some of his own performances during the last campaign.
Although the Gas have started to recruit centre-backs with the return of Alfie Kilgour, it would be a huge loss if the Gas were to lose Taylor – particularly as they have also just announced the departure of James Wilson.
Jed Ward
Bristol Rovers are in a much stronger position when it comes to academy breakthrough goalkeeper Jed Ward.
Ward only signed a new contract in March 2024, which was a four-year deal with a club option to extend by a further year, so Bristol Rovers have the best possible hand to play in terms of any interest they receive in the England youth.
With such a lengthy time remaining on his contract, Rovers would likely see a substantial offer for a player with experience of playing with England at youth level. Naturally, though, the fact that he was number one as the Gas were relegated last season could mitigate that somewhat, but Ward is widely recognised as an emerging talent.
The young keeper has made some outstanding contributions between the sticks for the Gas but has also fallen subject to criticism over some of the goals conceded in the recent relegation campaign.
And with the new signing of Brad Young, also aged 23, the Gas have introduced an intriguing dynamic, with both likely being told to compete for the number one spot. Despite the signing, Rovers arguably still do need a well-seasoned goalkeeper. One with multiple years of first-team experience in the EFL, particularly with the Gas again having two promising young goalkeepers – albeit both now owned by the club – in contrast to previous seasons where the Gas have opted to loan in a prospect from higher leagues.
This may also lead to a temptation to loan Ward out again should Rovers make a third addition to the goalkeeping department. That would surely be a major setback to the development of Jed Ward – who many thought would be the number one for Rovers throughout this coming campaign. It would also perhaps prompt Ward to look at new options, although his lengthy contract could limit what’s available to him.
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