It has actually been over a week since Bristol Rovers actually confirmed their plans regarding a retained list ahead of next season. Even before Sunday’s season climax against Millwall, manager Darrell Clarke already made it public of his intentions. Five have been offered new deals, whilst eight have been allowed to depart the Memorial Ground.
Also, 38-year-old goalkeeper Steve Mildenhall and 34-year-old midfielder Lee Mansell have been offered coaching roles with the club. Both will retire from playing duties. Mildenhall unsurprisingly is set to become the next goalkeeping coach with the club, whilst Mansell is set to work with the Under-18 squad with the club. Bristol Rovers certainly have certainly been quick to make plans for the new season.
Forwards Jermaine Easter and Cristian Montano have both been allowed to leave the club. The pair made over 20 appearances each over the past season but Clarke clearly wishes to boost his forward options at the club. They are still trying to replace Matty Taylor, who left to join rivals Bristol City in the January transfer window.
The others to leave are mostly fringe players or those they have been mostly away on loan. Goalkeeper Will Puddy will be allowed to leave, as will former Sheffield United left back Bob Harris. Danny Greenslade, Dominic Thomas, Jamie Lucas and Jake Gosling completes the list of those free to find themselves another club in time for pre-season.
Clarke says that naming his retained list ‘doesn’t get any easier’ and says those who are to leave have been ‘a credit to themselves and the club’.
Ellis Harrison, Rory Gaffney, James Clarke, Ryan Broom and Alfie Kilgour have been offered extensions by the club, who ended last season in tenth place.
