January Window - Deadline Day Match Day Thread (Combined)

Another former non-league gem. Wasn't long ago he was starring for Dunstable Town in the Southern League.

Wigan reportedly interested too.

Ipswich, Charlton, Derby and Sunderland reportedly interested in Josh Stokes.

From the Bristol Live Today (7am 31/12/2023): (So everyone does not have to the clickbate links:

Matt Taylor has admitted that he doesn't expect Bristol Rovers "to be overly busy" in the January transfer window but hasn't ruled out that there could be additions made to his squad over the course of the next month.

It's already been confirmed by Peterborough United director of football Barry Fry that the Gas have told Posh that they won't be going back in for striker Jonson Clarke-Harris after missing out on re-signing the 29-year-old on deadline day in the summer window. However, that doesn't necessarily mean Rovers won't be in the market for players.

In terms of positions targeted, that's currently unclear but you would assume that adding another centre-back and possibly a striker would help given limited numbers as is the case at left-back with George Friend expected to be out long-term while Lewis Gordon is also side lined.

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However, as is always the case, January is an inflated market and you wouldn't expect Taylor to push for a signing unless it would absolutely improve his squad.

In terms of potential outgoings, that's also currently unclear with there plenty of discussion regarding Chris Martin's future after the striker's brace against Charlton Athletic on Friday night. The 35-year-old signed a short-term contract when joining as a free agent in September which is understood to expire on January 26 with no extension agreed yet.


Bristol Rovers striker Chris Martin celebrates his late winner against Charlton Athletic (Image: Bristol Rovers FC)
Discussing what Gasheads can expect in terms of business from Rovers in January, Taylor admitted: "I think we've got to be realistic - we're not going to be overly busy. Even more so because we've got a good squad and squad that's working hard together now they're performing in a certain manner so I've got to be careful I don't upset that in any way or throw it off course but you're always looking for improvements. We've just mentioned Jamie McAllister coming in as a coach, it's no different with players.

"But January is the worst market because it's a false market. Everyone's price is inflated. Players aren't available anyway, generally, unless it's at a huge cost. But we want to be proactive and this window and the next one we'll start building towards where we want to take it."

Nothing will happen on January 1 in way of business as the Gas travel to Wycombe Wanderers targeting a third consecutive win, something they haven't managed this season. However, there is arguably the best feeling surrounding the club so far this season after late wins over Portsmouth and Charlton Athletic as well as beating Bolton Wanderers away a fortnight ago.

Taylor has certainly overseen improvement in his squad with the Pirates taking 10 points from a possible 15 over a tough run in the league as well as advancing to the third round of the FA Cup. Now, they travel to a Wycombe side that haven't won in the league since October 7 looking to make amends for their 2-1 defeat to the Chairboys at the Mem back in August.

Asked about the buy-in from his squad and the challenge of Wycombe following the Charlton win, Taylor exclaimed: "[I'm] Pleased. There's nothing better than winning games of football, especially scoring in the last minute and the manner of the wins but also performances as well.


Bristol Rovers manager Matt Taylor celebrates his side's 2-1 win over Portsmouth (Image: James Whitehead/PPAUK)
"We're away from home playing against a good team. It's a different challenge on New Year's Day but we've finished the year strongly, it would be great to start it well as well.

"It was a poor start from us tonight. Charlton hit the crossbar early and had a couple of set piece moments and that was their only moments in that first half, possibly over the course of the game, so we have to start better than we did tonight. And I've mentioned set pieces, there will be a physicality in Wycombe's team, there always is, so we have to be so strong in our mindset of what we want to achieve when we go there. But it's generally a good pitch and there's space there which will suit our football and players and the type of players that we've got.

"But it's a good game of football. I hope we go well supported. I'm sure we will on the back of the Christmas period and the results that we've had. Not only is there a bit of a confidence in the group, there hopefully is in the stands as well but then it's all about backing it up. To make it three wins on the bounce would be a special moment because then we go into an FA Cup weekend where we get a little bit of rest and recovery from the league I suppose."

Matt is saying there will be little transfer activity because he has inherited a good squad which he has now managed to get a good tune out of, results are showing this and he doesn’t want to add players for the sake of it 👍🏾

Agreed. If we can get in a decent centre half as cover for our first 3 and a left back as cover for vale I'd be happy with that.

Jevani brown should have been that creative presence meaning we didnt need to strengthen there but he has been so disappointing. Here's hoping for a better 2024 from him.

Or he's got the £1m(?) JB wanted to waste on JCH but doesn't want agents to know that he's got still £'s to spend in the January sales?

Good to see he's rolled out the usual "you don't get value in January" even though most clubs still sign up to half a dozen players!

“Wanted to waste on JCH” !

At least make it sound real Topper, JCH was a missed opportunity down to awful club administration, it would have been one of our biggest ever statement signings and most agree would literally have changed our season and been the icing on the cake of a very good squad.