Bristol Rovers is delighted to confirm the signing of Riley Harbottle from Sky Bet League One side AFC Wimbledon.
Defender Harbottle has put pen to paper on a contract until 2028 with the Gas and is the Club’s fourth signing of the January transfer window.
He will wear the No26 in the blue-and-white quarters.
The 25-year-old began his career in the Nottingham Forest academy and was a crucial part of Wimbledon’s League Two Play-Off success last season.
“I’m delighted to be at Bristol Rovers,” he said. “Coming to a Club of this size is a no-brainer. I think it’s a big opportunity for me to go and build on what I did last season.
“I think the manager has tried to sign me a few times, so knowing that I am wanted was a big thing after not playing as much this season, after a really successful one last year.
“January is a busy period, and you’ve got to be ready. You’ve got to make sure you’re doing everything right at your previous club, so if an opportunity does come, you can take it as soon as it comes.”
Head Coach Steve Evans said: “I actually tried to sign Riley when he was at Nottingham Forest. He had a very successful loan with Mansfield Town but chose to go to Hibernian instead of Stevenage with us!
“A little quirk as well is that both Riley’s dad and his uncle played for me back in my early days as a manager so there’s always been that connection with the Harbottle family, and I’ve always monitored Riley’s career. As a family they are fantastic people and football talented.
“As soon as I’d seen he might be available in the transfer window we spoke to AFC Wimbledon about the possibility of a deal, and I’m happy we have got it done. Riley is an experienced, solid centre-back with good movement. He will add a lot to what we’ve got.
“He’s an all-round, competent centre-back who has the ability to play comfortably at League One level, but has chosen to sign with us despite numerous options and he will help us in our current fight and going forward.”
Director Of Football Ricky Martin said: ““We are pleased to add Riley to our group and bring in more composure and solidity to our defensive line. At 25, Riley already has significant experience across the EFL and Scottish Premiership, but still has plenty of room to grow and develop too.
“Riley was hungry to join us and we were equally eager to have him here, and this contract until 2028 shows that commitment. His addition brings more competition and depth to our options at the back.”
Born in Nottingham, Harbottle was picked up by the Nottingham Forest academy at the foundation stage and signed his first professional contract in 2017. He made his full debut at 20-years-old, starting in a Carabao Cup first round clash with Bradford City, before playing the full 90 minutes in the second round against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
A loan spell with Wealdstone in the National League followed for the centre-back, where he made eleven appearances, before a season-long spell with Mansfield Town in Sky Bet League Two.
Harbottle was a consistent figure in the heart of the Mansfield defence in the 2022/23 season, playing 36 times in all competitions and scoring six goals, including vital finishes in wins against Tranmere Rovers and Colchester United.
The defender completed a permanent transfer to Scottish Premier League side Hibernian in July 2023 but returned to the EFL just a few months later, signing on loan with Colchester United for the second half of the 2023/24 campaign.
A transfer to AFC Wimbledon was completed in August 2024 with Harbottle establishing himself in the Dons side, making 35 appearances in all competitions. His efforts helped Wimbledon into the League Two play-offs, with Harbottle scoring the vital winner against Notts County in the semi-final first-leg.
With Harbottle in the side, Wimbledon would go on to achieve promotion through the Play-Offs without conceding, beating Walsall 1-0 in the final at Wembley Stadium in May.
So far this campaign, the 25-year-old has made 18 showings in all competitions, including 12 in Sky Bet League One.
Everyone at Bristol Rovers would like to warmly welcome Riley to the Club and wishes him every success during his career with the Gas.
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