Bristol Rovers are gearing up for the 2025/26 League Two campaign.
The Gas were relegated to the fourth-tier in nightmare fashion last term, picking up just one point from their final 10 games, which ultimately resigned them to their fate.
Rovers subsequently parted ways with head coach Inigo Calderon, opting to appoint Darrell Clarke for his second spell in the Memorial Stadium’s home dugout.
The 47-year-old guided the club from the National League to League One during his first stint in charge, so there is renewed optimism about next season’s promotion chances.
Clarke hasn’t wasted time recruiting new players so far this summer, adding Brad Young, Luke Southwood, Macauley Southam-Hales, Alfie Kilgour, Jack Sparkes, Josh McEachran and Ryan Howley to his ranks.
However, there is a market opportunity that Bristol Rovers could take advantage of to bolster their attack ahead of the new season.
Bristol Rovers should pursue move for Kadeem Harris
One area the Gas could do with some more quality in is out wide, with the ability to drive at defences and put dangerous balls into the opposition penalty area crucially important in League Two.
Securing such profiles is easier said than done, especially due to the increased financial outlay they require.
Therefore, when the opportunity arises to sign a player proven at the level on a free, it should undoubtedly be explored.
Kadeem Harris left Carlisle United following their relegation to the National League, after signing for the Cumbrians in November 2024 and has been training with the PFA’s free agent scheme this summer.
Harris is one of the more high-profile names in the scheme as he bids to find a new club after leaving Carlisle and Rovers should be keeping at least one eye on the winger, who would bring impressive pedigree to League Two once again having spent large parts of his career in the Championship with the likes of Cardiff City and Sheffield Wednesday.
| Kadeem Harris’ Carlisle United League Two stats, as per FotMob | |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 30 |
| Goals | 3 |
| Assists | 2 |
| Pass Accuracy | 83.2% |
| Successful dribbles per 90 | 1.97 |
| Tackles Won | 80% |
There hasn’t been much to shout about at Brunton Park over the past couple of years, but the 32-year-old provided a bright spark at times for the Blues last season.
Harris netted three times and provided two assists in an incredibly uncompetitive Carlisle team in the 2024/25 campaign, constantly providing a threat in wide areas, especially as the side’s form improved under Mark Hughes.
The Gas should fare much better in League Two due to the quality in their squad, which would see Harris operating out a much more competitive environment.
He completed 1.97 successful dribbles a game for Carlisle last term, which would no doubt be improved upon in a more dominant side.
Harris also won 1.78 fouls per 90, which would give Rovers opportunities to put crosses into the box and score against sides set up in a low block.
Forwards such as Kofi Shaw and Promise Omochere would be complemented by the 32-year-old’s creative presence, combining to stretch defences and score goals.
A pass accuracy of 83.2% last term shows how precise the former Carlisle man is when picking out his teammates, which would only be a good thing for Clarke’s attack.
On a personal note, a move to the Gas would see Harris relocate much closer to Cardiff, an area he spent a large portion of his career in, which could tempt him into a move.
Last season showed that the forward still has real quality at League Two level and would definitely add to Bristol Rovers’ promotion chances next term.
Bristol Rovers should compete for promotion next season
Clarke and Co. have already addressed numerous areas in the squad this summer, with a real focus on defensive reinforcements.
A sturdy backline is key in a promotion battle, which is the target for Rovers next term, so it makes sense why that has been their priority so far in the window.
If some solid offensive options, such as Harris, are recruited in the coming weeks, the Gas should enter the 2025/26 campaign as one of the favourites for automatic promotion.
Under a boss who has taken them there before, there should be a real feeling of optimism around the Memorial Stadium over what is achievable next term.
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