Post by Finnish Gas on Jun 30, 2014 8:56:32 GMT
Bristol Rovers boss Darrell Clarke in the market for another striker after Matt Harrold leaves
By The Bristol Post | Posted: June 30, 2014
Comments (1)
BRISTOL Rovers boss Darrell Clarke will scour the transfer market in search of another striker after Matt Harrold opted to join Crawley Town on a free transfer.
Harrold ended his three-year stay at the Memorial Stadium in order to agree a deal with the League One side on Friday, having impressed manager John Gregory when the sides went head-to-head in the FA Cup second round last season.
After completing the move, Harrold said, via his Twitter account: "I'd like to say a big thank you to the staff, players, and obviously, the fans at Bristol Rovers.
"It has been a testing few years since I joined and the time is probably right for a change for all of us. I am gutted to be leaving on such a low, but I leave honestly knowing that I gave everything I could.
"I go with some great memories and really wish Darrell and the boys the best of luck for next season and hope that the club bounces back straight away."
It is understood Clarke would have been happy to retain Harrold's service had Crawley not made their approach, but having one of the club's highest earners off the wage bill now leaves him room to manoeuvre within a playing budget that has had to be reduced in the aftermath of relegation to the Conference.
Clarke has already added strike duo Jamie White and Matt Taylor to his frontline in recent weeks – and also has Ryan Brunt available again after long-term injury – but will now move to find another player who can add some of the physicality that has been lost as a result of Harrold's departure.
One player who looks unlikely to fill that void is Cambridge City striker Adam Marriott, who, it has been reported elsewhere, is the subject of interest from Clarke.
It is unclear whether the former Norwich City trainee, who enjoyed a record-breaking season by scoring 43 times in the Calor League Premier Division last term, has been the subject of a firm bid or has been offered a trial.
Cambridge City boss Gary Roberts, however, appeared to rule out a move to the Memorial Stadium for the out-of-contract marksman, when saying: "Adam had an offer from Stevenage, which he rejected, and Bristol Rovers and Nuneaton have also made bids for him. Bristol Rovers probably isn't a realistic move for him and I don't think Nuneaton's offer matches our valuation of him."
New arrivals Jake Gosling and Lee Mansell, meanwhile, will be among those who are set to begin a gruelling pre-season schedule this morning, but Clarke is still on the lookout for wingers and a creative central midfielder as part of his continuing summer recruitment plans.
Clarke has not ruled out use of the loan market to fill those voids, while a number of triallists are expected to get the opportunity to earn contracts over the coming weeks.
Concord Rangers midfielder Lewis Taaffe and ex-Bristol City youth defender Pierce Mitchell are among the triallists expected to report for training this morning, while the Post also understands that former Ashton Gate youth prospect Gianni Kapika, 20, is another player Clarke is set to cast his eye over.
Congo-born Kapika, who is a left-sided winger, has had spells with Bath City, Clevedon Town and Frome Town since being released by Bristol City at the end of his youth scholarship in 2012.
Rovers have confirmed they are to hold a fans forum on Monday, July 21 (7pm).
Supporters will be given an opportunity to put their questions to chairman Nick Higgs at the event, which is open to all Rovers fans.
Capacity is limited to 150, however, and supporters are being asked to register their interest in attending the event by emailing admin@bristolrovers.co.uk when registration opens on Monday, July 7.
Rovers have also instructed supporters that the questions they want answered need to be submitted at the same time. Those who are not successful will be contacted by email and receive priority for the next event.
Read more at www.bristolpost.co.uk/Bristol-Rovers-boss-Darrell-Clarke-market-striker/story-21307531-detail/story.html
By The Bristol Post | Posted: June 30, 2014
Comments (1)
BRISTOL Rovers boss Darrell Clarke will scour the transfer market in search of another striker after Matt Harrold opted to join Crawley Town on a free transfer.
Harrold ended his three-year stay at the Memorial Stadium in order to agree a deal with the League One side on Friday, having impressed manager John Gregory when the sides went head-to-head in the FA Cup second round last season.
After completing the move, Harrold said, via his Twitter account: "I'd like to say a big thank you to the staff, players, and obviously, the fans at Bristol Rovers.
"It has been a testing few years since I joined and the time is probably right for a change for all of us. I am gutted to be leaving on such a low, but I leave honestly knowing that I gave everything I could.
"I go with some great memories and really wish Darrell and the boys the best of luck for next season and hope that the club bounces back straight away."
It is understood Clarke would have been happy to retain Harrold's service had Crawley not made their approach, but having one of the club's highest earners off the wage bill now leaves him room to manoeuvre within a playing budget that has had to be reduced in the aftermath of relegation to the Conference.
Clarke has already added strike duo Jamie White and Matt Taylor to his frontline in recent weeks – and also has Ryan Brunt available again after long-term injury – but will now move to find another player who can add some of the physicality that has been lost as a result of Harrold's departure.
One player who looks unlikely to fill that void is Cambridge City striker Adam Marriott, who, it has been reported elsewhere, is the subject of interest from Clarke.
It is unclear whether the former Norwich City trainee, who enjoyed a record-breaking season by scoring 43 times in the Calor League Premier Division last term, has been the subject of a firm bid or has been offered a trial.
Cambridge City boss Gary Roberts, however, appeared to rule out a move to the Memorial Stadium for the out-of-contract marksman, when saying: "Adam had an offer from Stevenage, which he rejected, and Bristol Rovers and Nuneaton have also made bids for him. Bristol Rovers probably isn't a realistic move for him and I don't think Nuneaton's offer matches our valuation of him."
New arrivals Jake Gosling and Lee Mansell, meanwhile, will be among those who are set to begin a gruelling pre-season schedule this morning, but Clarke is still on the lookout for wingers and a creative central midfielder as part of his continuing summer recruitment plans.
Clarke has not ruled out use of the loan market to fill those voids, while a number of triallists are expected to get the opportunity to earn contracts over the coming weeks.
Concord Rangers midfielder Lewis Taaffe and ex-Bristol City youth defender Pierce Mitchell are among the triallists expected to report for training this morning, while the Post also understands that former Ashton Gate youth prospect Gianni Kapika, 20, is another player Clarke is set to cast his eye over.
Congo-born Kapika, who is a left-sided winger, has had spells with Bath City, Clevedon Town and Frome Town since being released by Bristol City at the end of his youth scholarship in 2012.
Rovers have confirmed they are to hold a fans forum on Monday, July 21 (7pm).
Supporters will be given an opportunity to put their questions to chairman Nick Higgs at the event, which is open to all Rovers fans.
Capacity is limited to 150, however, and supporters are being asked to register their interest in attending the event by emailing admin@bristolrovers.co.uk when registration opens on Monday, July 7.
Rovers have also instructed supporters that the questions they want answered need to be submitted at the same time. Those who are not successful will be contacted by email and receive priority for the next event.
Read more at www.bristolpost.co.uk/Bristol-Rovers-boss-Darrell-Clarke-market-striker/story-21307531-detail/story.html
