Bristol Rovers offer new deals to Wayne Brown and Danny Woodards
Bristol Rovers have offered new deals to midfielder Wayne Brown and player-of-the-season Danny Woodards.
But defender Byron Anthony – the Pirates' longest-serving player – and veteran striker Scott McGleish are both being released by the club.
Five other players have also been declared surplus to requirements with winger Charlie Reece, defender Charlie Clough, keeper Lance Cronin and full-back Michael Boateng also being told there will be no new deals for them.
And young striker Kayne McLaggon, who suffered a serious injury last season, will also be leaving – though he will remain on the club's books until he regains full fitness.
Business Cards From Only £10.95 Delivered www.myprint-247.co.uk
View detailsOur heavyweight cards have FREE UV silk coating, FREE next day delivery & VAT included. Choose from 1000's of pre-designed templates or upload your own artwork. Orders dispatched within 24hrs.
Terms: Visit our site for more products: Business Cards, Compliment Slips, Letterheads, Leaflets, Postcards, Posters & much more. All items are free next day delivery. www.myprint-247.co.uk
Contact: 01858 468192
Valid until: Friday, May 31 2013
Brown made only 15 appearances last season after suffering a stress fracture to his ankle, which kept him out of action for more than six months, but he has been offered a short-term deal to prove he has a future at the club. Right-back Woodards broke his leg at Dagenham & Redbridge on the final day of the campaign, but he was one of the Pirates' most consistent performers in their first season back in League Two.
"Danny was our player of the season and we definitely want to keep him," said manager Mark McGhee.
"A large part of what I am trying to do this summer is put together as close to a League One side as I can.
"This should give us the best chance of going up and then require the least amount of surgery the following summer.
"Danny definitely falls into that category, as I believe he is capable of playing in the Championship. We have offered Wayne a short-term contract as a chance to prove himself after his injury.
"His attitude has been fantastic, so this will be a challenge now for him to prove he is worthy of another contract."
McGhee remains optimistic that left-back Jim Paterson, who joined on a short-term deal until the end of last season, will agree to return to the Memorial Stadium.
"I have known Jim a long time, but I threw down the gauntlet to him when he came here," said McGhee.
"I wanted him to prove himself, and I think he has. He has been very consistent, and his attitude has been brilliant.
"He has also endeared himself to the fans, which is very important."
The decisions to release Anthony and McGleish come as no surprise after they spent the last part of the season on loan at Hereford and Barnet respectively.
"I know a lot of people at the club liked Byron, but it is my job to make these decisions and I think the circumstances have changed," said McGhee.
"When Byron went out on loan I think we both realised that he would not be in my future plans, but he is the sort of player who will be of interest to other clubs."
"I have spoken at length to Scott as he has come to the stage of his career where he needs to decide what he wants to do next.
"He still wants to continue playing, but he is also interested in starting coaching, and although we can not offer him a position here, I have offered him help and encouragement.
"I suggested that Charlie Reece should look to America and college football. They play at a good standard, and he will also have the chance to earn a degree.
"It is what my son did, and I think that Charlie would do well in that environment."
Rovers have already agreed new deals with striker Eliot Richards and young midfielder Ollie Clarke and offered professional contracts to four second-year scholars – Jordan Goddard, Mitch Harding, Ellis Harrison and Ross Staley.
"It is very important for the boys down the line to see these players coming through and being offered contracts, as that will encourage good young players to join Rovers in the future," said McGhee.
"It is really important that we have this production line, and I do believe all four players genuinely have a chance of making it."
Comments
by SimpleStan
Sunday, May 20 2012, 5:20PM
“Never mind your 31 red arrows THEIRONS I've got 5 stars.
The evening post have no sense of history they probably never heard of the *****y dynasty.”
by THEIRONS
Sunday, May 20 2012, 4:36PM
“Frank you have sold out,you are now pandering to the masses,only -5 .At present i am on -31 on the Bristol City fan's sentencing.Good day to you T.G. and Stan.”
by SimpleStan
Sunday, May 20 2012, 4:21PM
“Chinesegas can remember Rovers in the fifties so he must be very old.
I think he's from the ***** dynasty.”
by Towngas
Sunday, May 20 2012, 10:05AM
“A rare piece of humour there Old Frank. You be careful, you could be in danger of losing your doom- mongers tag!.”
by Oldfrank
Saturday, May 19 2012, 1:36PM
“Our old friend Chinesegas would understand the problem.
Higgs says, I want a number 1, a number 4, two number 5's, a number 6, a number 8, a number 10 and a number 11.
McGhee says, but you've only given me enough money for another number 3 and a bag of prawn crackers.”
by Fullofgas
Friday, May 18 2012, 1:32PM
“thanks pc.
hadnt heard. Thats a shame. Thought he was going to be our next big thing and we were maybe hiding him away from all the big clubs.”
by pierecardinal
Friday, May 18 2012, 12:17PM
“Lamar has been released Fullofgas. A good prospect at one time, but it was not meant to be i'm afraid. Some players just do not develop enough to make it to that next step in their career (at this moment in time). It's still very positive for our youth team though, especially given the fact that four of our young uns have been offered pro deals, along with Harding and Richards signing new contracts. Good luck to all the lads, even those that we had to let go.”
by Fullofgas
Friday, May 18 2012, 11:37AM
“I presume Lamar Powell is somewhere in amongst the list he is keeping.
Dont hear much about him.”