The Gas will be looking to continue a club tradition of excellence when it comes to boosting the balance sheets
Bristol Rovers have had several successful transfers in recent seasons and will look to duplicate similar inspired moves this time around. The boardroom is anticipated to be a busy place again this summer as the Pirates seek to bolster a skilled but weak roster.
Aaron Collins is one of those who had a wonderful voyage at Bristol Rovers, making 139 appearances, scoring 38 goals, and assisting on another 23 goals.
Two goals in the final game of the 2021-2022 League Two season against Scunthorpe United propelled the Gas to a dizzying 7-0 victory, securing the crucial third automatic promotion position.
Collins signed on a free transfer from Forest Green Rovers in 2021 following a checkered career to that point. Collins began his career with Newport County before signing for Wolverhampton Wanderers. After being released by Wolves in 2019 after many loan periods, Morecombe and subsequently Forest Green Rovers approached Collins before he signed with the Gas.
Collins would have a distinguished career with Rovers, winning Sky Bet League One Player of the Season in 2022-2023 and receiving Player of the Month or Goal of the Month accolades and nominations on several occasions throughout his three-year stint.
Something appeared to hold Collins back in his final season with the Gas, as he frequently shown symptoms of unease or disinterest, with a variety of distractions maybe playing a factor.
Collins’ last months at the Gas will have been clouded by a previous altercation with then-manager Joey Barton, as well as heightened speculation regarding his future.
Nonetheless, he remained one of Rovers’ finest performers until his departure, scoring 11 goals in the season up to January, when he signed for Bolton Wanderers for a reputed sum of £750,000.
Bristol Rovers have a long and proud history of signing players from lower leagues who later go on to yield significant returns for the spreadsheets.
Collins joins names on an illustrious list including; Barry Hayles, Nathan Ellington, and former England International Nigel Martyn who – as the story goes – was brought to Rovers by the team’s then tea lady.
Martyn was sold to Crystal Palace and became the world’s first million-pound custodian. Each player made an important contribution to Rovers’ history, demonstrating the club’s reputation of excellence in player development.
Bristol Rovers is currently undergoing significant changes both on and off the pitch, therefore the recruitment team faces a difficult assignment this summer.
Identifying talent from lower down the pyramid has frequently provided Rovers with the trigger for advancement on and off the pitch, and this summer, when they decide on – and figure out – their transfer strategy, they will need to keep their scouts searching up and down the football pyramid.
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