The Valiants have completed the signing of Cristian Montano on a free transfer from Bristol Rovers.
Previous Spell: Bristol Rovers
Montano joined the League One side back in July 2015 where The Pirates made their comeback into the football league. During the season, he scored two goals and assisted three from 28 league appearances. His contribution to the club helped them succeed into the third tier in the English football league the next season.
Last season, the 25-year-old scored his League One début against Fleetwood Town in November 2016. He has produced two assists in 25 league games. He has been in competition with other midfielders to have a spot in the starting lineup and found himself on the bench in 10 games last season. With the likes of new arrivals Byron Moore, Charlie Colkett and Hiram Boateng, manager Darrell Clarke liked to rotate the squad to allow every player to at least played on the pitch once.
He has been a key figure under Darrell Clarke but was not given a new deal and made the retained list.
Position on the pitch:
Montano is a midfielder and is usually played in left-midfield. However, he can play in right-midfield and as a winger.
Who else has he played for?
Back in 2010, the Columbian was a player under West Ham United’s Academy. He made his first move to Notts County in 2011 before returning to his parent club after the loan deal expired. He was put under a series of loan spells including Swindon Town, Dagenham and Redbridge and Oxford United.
However, his campaign at West Ham came to an end when he arrived at Oldham Athletic. After a full season, Montano was put on a free agent during the January transfer window of 2014. He signed for CD America in July 2014.
Writer’s response:
As a Bristol Rovers fan, seeing Montano leave was hard. He was a brilliant player for us and he was a player that the fans loved. It was a shame seeing him alongside other names on the list, but that’s football. I’m glad he has signed for the Valiants and I believe he will have a great campaign back in League Two.
