Bristol Rovers: Orient keen to lure defender Sawyer away from the Pirates
c.swift@bepp.co.uk
Leyton Orient are poised to make a summer move for experienced Bristol Rovers' defender Gary Sawyer.
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Leyton Orient are believed to be keen on signing Gary Sawyer from Rovers
The versatile 26-year-old is out of contract at the Memorial Stadium and is expected to be offered a new deal to remain with the Pirates.
But they are likely to face competition from the east London club, who survived a relegation battle to remain in League One for next term.
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Brisbane Road boss Russell Slade is known to have been keeping tabs on Sawyer, who joined Rovers in the summer of 2010 and has made 61 league outings for the club.
He made 27 appearances in all competitions last season, despite missing the start of the campaign after having surgery to cure a hernia last summer – and then spending another spell on the sidelines during February and March with a hamstring injury.
Sawyer, who had previous spells with Plymouth and Exeter, as well as a loan spell at Bristol City, can play either at left-back – where he has made the majority of his appearances for the Pirates – or in central defence.
Meanwhile, central defender Byron Anthony is still unclear about his future – although he accepts he is unlikely to be offered a new deal with Rovers.
Anthony, aged 27, has spent almost six years on the Pirates' books, but joined Hereford on loan for the second half of the season.
The Welshman, who joined Rovers from Cardiff in July 2006, chalked up 163 league appearances for Rovers, scoring seven goals – and was part of the side that won promotion to League One in the Wembley play-off final in 2007.
"I haven't heard anything from the club yet, although it seems obvious I'm not going to be offered anything," said Anthony. "But it would be nice to be told that after six years of loyal service."
Hereford suffered relegation to the Blue Square Bet Premier on the final day of the campaign, but Anthony has his sights set on remaining in the Football League.
"I played 35 games last season, although it was an up-and-down one for me with managerial changes during my time at Rovers and with Hereford, but I don't want to drop out of the league if I can help it.
"I played four years in League One during my time at Rovers as well as a couple in League Two.
"My agent is talking to a couple of clubs at the moment and we'll see what happens."
Comments
by manchestergas
Monday, May 14 2012, 11:41AM
“thank you Orient. Just as generous as when Exeter took Coles off of our hands.”
by Tanned
Sunday, May 13 2012, 10:27PM
“Leyton Orient have signed Sawyer on 2 year deal”
by manchestergas
Sunday, May 13 2012, 8:27PM
“i've always liked Byron but it's time to say goodbye. he hasn;t improved at all for the last 2 years; in fact he's gone backwards.
Never understood this 'loyal service' stuff. We pay you and give you a contract so even if you get injured, or play rubbish, you still get paid. Most UK workers do not get that luxury. I'm not having a pop at Byron but I don;t see how he has been more 'loyal' than any player we've signed and paid.”
by Towngas
Sunday, May 13 2012, 8:55AM
“I agree with Byron that Rovers should make it a priority to let him know where he stands.
I hope they waste no time in thanking him for his services before releasing him. I still have a nasty taste in my mouth over the player-power incident that did for Dave Penney. We all remember how that season ended, and who were responsible yet never held to account.”
by SimpleStan
Saturday, May 12 2012, 9:34PM
“You're getting mixed up Gerald it's not the muppets in the directors box it's Mr Blobby.
The man behind him, Noel Edmundson, is a friend of Mr Dunford.”
by concordgerald
Saturday, May 12 2012, 5:13PM
“I feel that all Gas supporters have been watching second rate performers on the field and now is the time to give them the success they crave.the muppets in the directors box who seem satisfied watching `”
by Major_Gas
Saturday, May 12 2012, 1:29PM
“Should be Michael Poke....lol”
by Major_Gas
Saturday, May 12 2012, 1:28PM
“Forget about everyone else MM, first job is to sign Micaek Poke as our 1st choice keeper!!!!!
Also seen Chesterfield have released Aaron Downes, another player I'd like MM to sign!”
by Eastville1966
Saturday, May 12 2012, 12:20PM
“Once again I have to agree with Arbie....most impressed with Paterson and hope he stays, and Lee Brown appears a versatile player and will be an asset. If Michael Poke is indeed available I would be pleased to see hi back. Bevan still doesn't appear 100% confident despite a recent improvement in form, whilst Poke has a good command of the box and excellent awareness. Gough is still probably too inexperienced to contest a first-team place yet, although his time will come.”
by TangledBlue
Saturday, May 12 2012, 11:52AM
“This is brilliant news. Very worried that MM thinks he is worthy of another contract.”