Brad Young has promised that he and his new Bristol Rovers teammates will be “working hard on the pitch and off the pitch” to try and deliver success this season after he was confirmed as the Gas’ fourth summer addition.
Rovers confirmed on Thursday morning that the 23-year-old goalkeeper had made the move to BS7 from Leicester City, putting pen to paper on a two-year contract at the Mem to bolster Darrell Clarke’s options between the posts ahead of the new season.
A product of the Foxes’ youth system, Young has never made a senior appearance for Leicester but has enjoyed loan spells at Blyth Spartans, Notts County and Hartlepool United, while also featuring for England at youth level. Now, he’s relishing the chance to be a part of Clarke’s project in the West Country.
On his move to north Bristol, Young told Rovers’ media team: “The facilities are brilliant. I know Bristol is a lovely place to be, and I’m just excited to get going now.
“I spoke with the staff and James Bittner; there’s a real project here, something I want to be part of for my development and to go forward over the years in my career.
“We’ve got to push each other every day. We’re there together in the mornings and afternoons, and we’ll be working hard on the pitch and off the pitch as well. Hopefully, we’ll have a successful year.”
Signing a new goalkeeper was always expected to be a priority for Rovers this summer, regardless of whether or not Jed Ward remained the Gas’ number one after Josh Griffith’s loan exit in January, Matt Hall’s release and the conclusion of Myles Roberts’ uneventful loan spell.
Many would have perhaps expected Rovers to target a more experienced stopper to work alongside Ward, but Young is only a year Ward’s senior and has played less first-team football in his career so far than the Gas’ number one.
However, the 23-year-old’s potential and room for growth over the coming years, partnered with his current qualities between the posts made him an appealing option for all involved in north Bristol.
Discussing the Gas’ latest signing, Clarke said: “I am pleased to bring Brad to the club. At 23, Brad has got an incredibly high ceiling to keep developing and improving, and we are glad he has chosen to do so here.
“I know James Bittner, head Of goalkeeping, is looking forward to working closely with Brad, as are the rest of the coaching department and I.”
Director of football Ricky Martin added: “Brad is a young, exciting goalkeeper who has got unbelievable potential. That he was picked up by a Premier League club at such a young age shows his talent and high ceiling, and he has only gotten better in his time working with Leicester.
“He is a strong and commanding shot-stopper with a lot of qualities that are suited to being a top modern-day goalkeeper.”
The Rovers squad have returned to The Quarters for pre-season this week ahead of their first friendly fixture against Chippenham Town in under two weeks’ time.
Discussion about this post