As the season nears a close. Bristol Rovers have now kept their EFL status intact. I thought I would look through all 10 of Rovers loanees from this season ranking them on how they did in their time in blue and white quarters.
Kacper Łopata joined Bristol Rovers in August at the beginning of the season. He instantly formed a partnership with Alfie Kilgour as Rovers went unbeaten.
Although injuries often halted him from building any sort of momentum. After his injury the Pole was not the same player.
During the Gas’s 10 league losses in a row the centre-back played in seven of them. The final game being a 3-0 loss to West Country rivals Swindon Town where the defender was given his marching orders for a dangerous challenge 36 minutes in.
His final game for The Gas was their 3-0 win against Shrewsbury town on New Year’s Day.
Łopata is currently at fellow League Two side, Walsall. The Saddlers continue to slip down the table after their promising start to the league. They now have one win in five and sacked manger Mat Sadler on the 11th of March.
Alfie Chang returned to League Two, with Bristol Rovers after a reasonably successful campaign with Walsall the season prior. He scored the second goal of the playoff semi-final against Chesterfield as Walsall lost out in the final.
His first game for the Gas looked brilliant as he set up two goals in the Severnside derby as Rovers overcame strugglers Newport.
Injuries had played a big part in his career as Birmingham City fans said he should be playing at a higher level if it wasn’t for his injuries.
He looked promising when he played and was often a bright spark in the poor side that was Rovers at the time although was sent back in January.
He returned to the Memorial stadium after returning to Walsall on a permanent deal which ended with a 2-0 loss for his side as Rovers got some well-deserved points to help their relegation battle.
Stephan Negru joined Rovers in September, although Gasheads only got a chance to see him in October after picking up an injury early on.
The promising Oxford United centre-back only got to play four 90 minutes in all competitions as injuries plagued his time in Bristol. His only win was against Bromley in the FA Cup first round as the Irish man was sent back by Steve Evans in January.
He came back to League Two in with Tranmere as they began to get sucked into the relegation battle (the Merseyside club have one wins in 18). They sit one point off relegation and below Bristol Rovers in the table.
Freddie Issaka spent his first loan season in the West County, joining from Plymouth Argyle in September. Although he looked promising whenever he played although, the winger never played a full 90.
His brightest moment came in Rovers’ 1-0 loss at home to Notts County where he skipped past a defender before launching a long range effort onto the bar. Had it gone in, it would have felt his career could have drastically changed in Bristol.
He swapped Devon for Cornwall in his latest loan. Moving from Plymouth to Truro City. The Tinners have already been relegated and look destined to finish bottom of the National League.
Issaka has played over ten times for the Cornish side but has scored only twice in losses to Braintree Town and Scunthorpe United retrospectively.
Probably the best of Darrell Clarke loanee’s. Joel Cotterill played the most games and the best all-round performer in Clarke’s team.
He showed his versatility playing all across the midfield and in the defence. When he was sent back in January, many Rovers fans thought it was harsh for his commitment given to the club.
He got the Gas to round two of the FA Cup beating current lead leaders Bromley as his goal turned out to be in winner.
The Welshman moved up to Scotland, after being returned. Now learning his craft at Dundee FC. Who sit third in the relegation group in Scotland. He is a regular in the starting line-up and has bagged once, in a 3-2 win against Aberdeen.
How wrong have Tranmere fans been about him eh? Tranmere fans did not rate the midfielder when he was in Merseyside. However, since travelling down south, he has been a breath of fresh air for Steve Evans. The reliable midfielder has controlled the middle of the park excellently and should Kamil Conteh not be sold in the summer. Smallwood could be an excellent mentor for him.
The midfielder is out of contract with Tranmere in the summer, something that Rovers should definitely capitalise on. He is a big reason that Rovers are in their improved position.
If Steve Evans signed a new contract, Smallwood is one of the first players he would sign permanently, although he doesn’t have a goal contribution, he is a stalwart in the starting XI.
Decision: Keep
Tommy Leigh has been a brilliant signing for the Gas. It was a defeat at Oldham Athletic where fans started to notice what he could bring to the team. He was confident on the ball and able to drift through players. Two Leigh-less games later Gasheads saw his best.
The Bradford City loanee came on at half-time and scored twice late on against Crewe to win the game. He continued his run of games, scoring against Barrow the game week after. Although, at Bromley couldn’t play due to illness.
He has also played in the deeper role against Fleetwood Town where his long balls over the top granted the Gas with other outlet to go forward
Overall, I think he would be a brilliant signing at League Two level, and already has a promotion on his CV with Bradford City. He is also out of contract in the summer and Gasheads would surely love for him to return to the Mem.
Decision: Keep
Kane Thompson-Sommers joined Rovers with little excitement to say the least. A team in the relegation battle receiving a loan from a team in the same division felt disappointing.
His first few games for the Gas went the same way, he looked sloppy and a bit slow to League Two.
However, as he slowly started to get a run of form in the team, he improved into a very solid team player. His standout performance would have to be away at West County rivals Swindon Town.
The MK Dons loanee’s opening goal earned the Pirates a well-deserved draw and he drove forward, before cutting inside of two players and placing the ball bottom corner.
His time at the Gas will definitely give him some great experience under Evans, although next season we think Rovers could do better.
Decision: Return to parent club
What a signing he has been. The centre-back has become a fan favourite during his time in at Bristol Rovers.
The Northern Irishman has been a rock at the back, loves a strong tackle, riling up opponents players and one of his best attributes, scoring bangers. Balmer has scored two goals for Bristol Rovers so far. His weak-footed volley against Walsall, helped to secure, arguably, Bristol Rovers best win this season.
His likeability is evident in his interviews although his ability to get into opponents heads are useful to Rovers. This is not to mention his unbelievably long throws which have been helpful for Rovers to gain valuable ground in games.
Decision: Give him a multi-year deal
Another one of the Steve Evans successful loanees. The spurs man had a baptism of fire on his home debut.
He launching the ball into the top corner of the net from outside the box against bottom of the table Newport, giving the Gas their first league home win in eight attempts.
The Moroccan was so important for the home wins and his ability on the ball is clear to see. Although he has petered out a little bit.
Evans has been complimentary of his loan. The upgrade from youth football to senior football could have affected him.
However, he is a fan favourite and has been a front runner for main player to get the gas safe of the relegation zone. It’s clear to see how much Evans likes him claiming “he’s like a son to me.”
Although I’m sure every Gashead will want him back, people have to be realistic and Akhamrich has proven why he is such a prominent youngster and next season spurs will be looking at teams at a higher level. Rovers will surely be unable to get him back.
Decision: Return to parent club
