Shayne Lavery

It was no secret that Bristol Rovers were interested in bringing Jonson-Clarke Harris to the club over the past 12 months, but with the news that the striker has signed for Rotherham United, The Gas will have to rethink their plans.

Rovers were said to be within touching distance of getting a deal over the line for the forward to sign from Peterborough United before the start of the previous campaign, before late hitches in the deal saw it being rejected by the EFL.

It was believed that the West Country side had agreed a fee in the region of £800,000 for the striker before it all went pear-shaped, and with Clarke-Harris being reunited with Steve Evans and the Millers, attention will turn elsewhere for additions to the striking personnel ahead of next season.

There may be another League One striker that could fit the bill though, with Shayne Lavery a free agent after being released by Blackpool earlier this month.

25-year-old Lavery leaves Bloomfield Road this summer having played in Tangerine for each of the past three seasons, after joining from Northern Irish side Linfield in the summer of 2021.

Having joined the Seasiders while they were still a Championship club, the forward got off to a blistering start during his first taste of EFL football, with four goals in seven matches to start the 21/22 campaign.

Having found the back of the net just ten minutes after being introduced against Bristol City to claim a late equaliser, the frontman added goals against Middlesbrough, Sunderland and Millwall to his tally before August was out.

His eight league goals in his first season in English football was followed by a stop-start season in 22/23, with over half of his 27 appearances coming from the substitutes’ bench, much as it was this year after relegation to the third tier.

Nevertheless, the striker’s speed and poacher’s instinct would make him a useful addition to The Gas, with the Northern Ireland international acting as the perfect foil to big man Chris Martin up top.

Blackpool boss Neil Critchley has spoken highly enough about Lavery in the past, with the forward coming up through the ranks at Everton before moving back to his homeland.

Critchley said: “He's more of a play on the left-shoulder and more of a threat in behind.

"He's very lively inside the penalty box. He's a penalty box player. Outside of the box he can certainly stretch defences and get in behind.

"He's such a driven and focused boy. He wants to get better and improve, and we're always wanting to give him the right type and right style of team and platform to nurture his talent."

Rovers boss Matt Taylor will have a number of holes to fill at the Memorial Stadium over the summer, with extra firepower needed ahead of the next campaign.

The Gas will wave goodbye to frontman John Marquis when his contract expires at the end of next month, after the former Portsmouth man’s two-year association with the club wasn’t extended.

The club will also be looking for a replacement for Aaron Collins, with the striker allowed to leave the club for promotion-chasing Bolton Wanderers in the January transfer window.

Having had 56 goal contributions during his two-and-a-half year spell at the club, his boots have been difficult ones to fill, but a player with Lavery’s pace and vision could be the replacement that Rovers have been yearning for.

He may not be in the similar ilk to Clarke-Harris, but the outgoing Blackpool man should certainly be a consideration during the summer, with plenty of pedigree to excel at the level.

With games under his belt there is no question that Lavery could rediscover that early Championship form, and if he does then Rovers could have an exciting season ahead if they took the plunge.

The last ginger Irishman didn’t do so bad….

With Martin being so old i would hope we look to sign an understudy for him. Someone who maybe is stepping up a level or two . Who can learn from him ,fill in during injuries or suspensions and cup competitions. With a view to him stepping into his shoes over the following season.
We also need a speedy attacking player who has a bit of flair and isnt afraid to take on a player or shoot at any opportunity.

Agree. I don’t think we can go into the start of next season with Chris as our main striker. He is of course a superb player and will get us goals, but I think we need younger legs in the main and w3 must look to the future.

Think we’re gonna need a bit more intensity/pace than we had second half of this season. 👍🏾

At least we should have a manager on the sidelines this time!

Still serving a suspension, isn't he?

Oh yes - sorry I forgot that was the case

I see billy sharp has been given the go ahead to leave hull city wyhhh ?!