Bristol Rovers sign Colchester United defender on loan
Bristol Rovers have today signed Colchester United's 6ft 3ins defender Pat Baldwin on a month's loan with a view to a permanent deal.
The Pirates are keen to strengthen their rearguard ahead of this weekend's home game against Gillingham as they are missing first-choice full-backs Aaron Lescott and Carl Regan.
-
Loan target - Colchester United and Ex Chelsea centre half Pat Baldwin - tangling with Bristol Rovers striker Jo Kuffour
Baldwin, a versatile 27-year-old who started his career with Chelsea, can play in a variety of positions along the back line although is primarily a central defender.
He joined Colchester in 2002 and has made 198 league appearances for the Essex club, scoring once.
Baldwin has had seven first-team outings this season but then lost his place in the side and has not featured since September after suffering a knee injury playing against Southampton.
Bristol Rovers manager Paul Trollope said; "We are delighted to secure Pat's signature and pleased that the loan spell takes us through a busy spell in the short term and also over the Christmas period.
"Pat is a very experienced League One defender who has tasted a promotion out of this division with Colchester, and played regularly in the Championship.
"He goes straight into the squad for the game against Gillingham tomorrow. We've managed to complete all of the paperwork in time, prior to training this morning, so he will train with the group and is available for selection."
13 Comments
View all
by roversteve, clevedon
Friday, November 20 2009, 9:09PM
“Well said Mendipman,all four Leed's goals and two of Norwich's were directly linked to Byron's poor off the ball defending or bad decisions on the ball,I always feel Steve Elliot and Danny Coles would make a better partnership.Good luck to the new lad and I think it;s obvious that reds fans like to have a go at Trolls.”
by MENDIPMAN, CHEDDAR.
Friday, November 20 2009, 6:41PM
“What a load of WHINGERS who have already written their comments on the SIX WEEK LOAN SIGNING OF PAT BALDWIN. Are they supporters of BCFC IN DISGUISE OR WHAT ? Give the lad a chance, he originated from Chelsea, has been in a side that gained promotion to the Championship, was Player of the Year at Colchester a couple of years ago. Why not wait and see if he and Colesy can form a good partnership at the heart of Rovers defence which has been leaking in goals, espescially from set pieces.. Anthony has ALWAYS struggled against tall/strong or muscular strikers, so this is a positive move by Paul Trollope. I suggest you all get down to the Mem tomorrow, support the team .....NOT MOAN WHEN PLAYERS ARE SIGNED WHO ARE NOT CURRENTLY PLAYING IN THE PREMIERSHIP OR THE CHAMPIONSHIP!”
by steve, bristol
Friday, November 20 2009, 4:08PM
“once again NO AMBITION”
by Dex, Horfield
Friday, November 20 2009, 3:36PM
“Boring signing. Nothing inspirational about this team whatsoever.”
by Fatboyronaldo, Bristol
Friday, November 20 2009, 2:21PM
“Sorry Trolls but you are losing the plot! We don't need another already injured journeyman, or someone like Wright who lacks basic ability and is never gonna give 100%.
We have an Academy with lots of decent prospects - give them a go for a change. Not only will they give 100% effort but the fans will get behind them too! Charlie Clough is better than Blizzard and Wright yet Trolls ain't got the bottle to play him - duh!”