Bristol Rovers clear-out continues as trio head for exit
Bristol Rovers have taken another step towards shaping their squad for next season by transfer-listing three players – Andy Williams, Sean Rigg and Lewis Haldane.
The trio still have a year left on their contracts with the Pirates but have been told they are free to find other clubs.
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The move comes after Bristol Rovers announced on Tuesday that they were releasing four out-of-contract first-teamers – defenders Craig Hinton, Joe Jacobson and Ryan Green, along with midfielder Craig Disley. Striker Williams cost Rovers £100,000 when he joined from Hereford United two summers ago, but failed to make a real impression at the club and spent the whole of last season back on loan at Edgar Street.
He scored five goals in 45 league outings for the Pirates, 26 of them as substitute.
Rigg signed professional terms in 2006 after emerging through Filton College, but soon after making his first-team breakthrough he was sidelined after having his jaw shattered when punched off the ball in an FA Cup game at Barrow.
The perpetrator – James Cotterill – was later jailed for four months after the incident was captured by Match of the Day cameras.
Though Rigg – who can play up front or out wide – was able to return to action a few months later, he found it hard to force his way into regular first-team contention and 42 of his 57 league outings for the club came from the bench, during which time he scored twice.
He spent some of last season on loan at Blue Square Premier outfit Grays Athletic.
Haldane joined Bristol Rovers in 2002 after coming through Southampton's Academy system and made his debut for the club during the 2003-04 campaign.
He had two spells on loan at Forest Green Rovers in 2005 before being recalled to Rovers when Paul Trollope succeeded former boss Ian Atkins.
Though he won regular first-team outings in the 2006-07 campaign – the season that saw Rovers reach Wembley in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy final and then win promotion to the play-offs – he also played solely non-league football last season, spending it on loan at Oxford United.
In all, he has scored 15 goals in 147 league appearances for Rovers, 57 of them as substitute.
3 Comments
by craig hamilton, downend bristol
Friday, June 19 2009, 4:08PM
“with what trollope had last year,and what he put out on lone ,i think the squad done well to finish in the top half.... i don't know whats going on with lambert..... can u please tell all the loyal fans whats going on with the rest of the team if they r going or staying thanks very much....”
by MisterX, Bristle
Friday, May 08 2009, 12:13PM
“So much for Lewis Haldane being promised he had a future back at BRFC after he returned from his loan at Oxford at the start of last season by Trolls! Not that I disagree with any of the above players leaving mind, but just maybe Trolls will think on the next time he makes a promise to a player eh Paul?
All the best to them all in finding another club and thanks for your endeavours @ BRFC! :)”
by alex, southmead
Friday, May 08 2009, 10:02AM
“one thing you get from rigg is 100% effort all the time. wish more players put that effort in all the time. all the best to all 3 players”