[themaclad]

Bristol Rovers manager Joey Barton has been given a three-match ground ban for misconduct during the team's defeat by Sheffield Wednesday.

Barton was shown a red card following the 2-1 loss on 18 April.

He admitted that he used abusive, insulting and improper words to a match official in the tunnel and officials' changing room after the game.

The 40-year-old will miss the first three games of Rovers' 2023-24 campaign and has also been fined £3,000.

BBC Radio Bristol understand that Bristol Rovers will be appealing the decision.

Barton was critical of the referees in the aftermath of the match, particularly after John Marquis had a goal ruled out for being offside.

"You rely on the officials to get major decisions right and unfortunately tonight the linesman's had a guess as they do at this level," he told BBC Radio Bristol.

"I was always worried when I seen the referee, every time I get him he does something barmy, that ref, not really putting that on his toes. His official, the linesman, has got one job to do. It's disappointing when they guess, sometimes it goes your way, sometimes it doesn't."

[themaclad]

Paul Coutts is being released by Bristol Rovers along with Harry Anderson and Calum Macdonald when their contracts expire this summer.

Midfielders Josh Grant and Grant Ward, whose contracts also finish, are discussing new deals, as are youngsters Ryan Jones and Harvey Greenslade.

Macdonald was on a short-term deal and boss Joey Barton recently made it clear that Anderson would not be retained.

And Coutts has also been told that he will not be offered a new contract.

Coutts, 34, and Anderson, 26, were key members of Rovers' promotion-winning squad last season.

Barton recently indicated that Coutts might stay at the club as part of his coaching staff.

Veteran midfielder Alex Rodman, 36, who did not make a single appearance this season, has retired after reaching the end of his contract.

Former Republic of Ireland international Glenn Whelan, 39, who was player-coach and recently announced he would hang up his boots at the end of the campaign, will now have the title of first-team coach.

Anssi Jaakkola, 36, who made six appearances in the Papa Johns Trophy this season while also working in a coaching role, has been offered a full-time position as goalkeeping coach which, if he accepts, would mean he would retire from playing.

Defender Nick Anderton last month retired from playing, aged 26, as he continues his recovery from a form of bone cancer.

[themaclad]

Versatile defender Josh Grant has signed a one-year contract extension with Bristol Rovers, with the option of a further year.

The 24-year-old, who can also play across midfield, has made 54 appearances for the League One side since joining in 2020.

However his time playing at Rovers has been limited by persistent injuries.

He was limited to only one substitute appearance this season and had knee surgery in October.

"It was great to see Josh back on the grass at the end of the last campaign," Rovers manager Joey Barton said.

"We have full belief in what he offers to this football club and I'm confident he will make a big impact with our group for next season."

[themaclad]

Bristol Rovers midfielder Grant Ward has signed a new two-year deal with the League One club.

The 28-year-old scored one goal in 19 appearances for the Pirates this season after joining on a short-term contract in January.

Ward came through the youth ranks at Tottenham and has previously had spells at Coventry City, Rotherham United, Ipswich Town and Blackpool.

"He brings experience to our group," boss Joey Barton told the club website.

[themaclad]

Bristol Rovers forward Harvey Greenslade has signed a new one-year deal with the League One club.

The 19-year-old, who has come through the club's academy, has made one appearance for the first team in last season's Papa Johns Trophy.

Greenslade spent the second half of the 2022-23 season on loan at National League South side Truro City.

"Harvey is someone that the club values highly and is full of potential," manager Joey Barton said.

"He did well at Truro on loan and I look forward to seeing him make further progress in amongst our first-team group."

Bristol Rovers finished the season in 17th place.

[themaclad]

Bristol Rovers have signed defender James Wilson on a two-year deal after he left Plymouth Argyle.

The 34-year-old spent two seasons with the Pilgrims and made 46 appearances in all competitions last season as they won the League One title but could not agree terms on a new contract.

"There's no reason why we can't be amongst it this season," he told the club website.

"I'm excited to get going. This is a great club to be at."

[themaclad]

Midfielder Luke Thomas has signed for Bristol Rovers after his Barnsley contract expired.

Thomas, who was on loan at Rovers when they gained promotion to League One in 2022, has agreed a three-year deal.

The 24-year-old scored three goals in 85 games for Barnsley and has also played for Cheltenham, Derby, Coventry and Ipswich.

"We are happy to be reunited with Luke. We tried to get him in last season," said Rovers boss Joey Barton.

"However, he's back at Rovers now and will be a key part of our dressing room. The three-year deal reflects how highly we rate his potential and what he could bring to the team."

[themaclad]

Bristol Rovers have signed forward Jevani Brown on a two-year deal following his release by Exeter City.

The 28-year-old was suspended by the Grecians in February and has not played since after being charged with assaulting two women.

He admitted one charge in March and is awaiting trial on the second, which he denies, in July.

Brown scored 14 goals in 32 games for Exeter last season and his deal with Rovers has the option of a third year.

"Jevani is an exciting talent. He can operate across the midfield and forward areas and will bring another dimension to our team," manager Joey Barton said.

"I am looking forward to welcoming him into our group and seeing him in action for the club."

Brown, who was voted Exeter's players' player of the season at the end of the last campaign, began his career at Peterborough United and has also played for Colchester United, Cambridge United and Forest Green Rovers.

Bristol Rovers start the new League One campaign with a trip to Portsmouth on 5 August.

Brown is their third summer signing following the arrival of James Wilson and Luke Thomas from Plymouth and Barnsley respectively.

'Proven goal scoring ability' - Analysis
by Brent Pilnick, BBC Sport

Rovers have got someone who proved himself to be a prolific goalscorer in League One last season.

Before his suspension by Exeter in early February he had 14 goals and nine assists - the second highest level of goal contributions in the division at the time.

Last month Exeter boss Gary Caldwell said he would consider making Brown - who helped City win promotion from League Two in 2022 - a new offer despite the announcement of his release at the end of his current deal.

But it now appears he has chosen to move up the M5 on a free transfer - something which may frustrate City after they turned down a reported six-figure fee for his services from Portsmouth at the end of the January transfer window.

[themaclad]

League One side Bristol Rovers have signed defender George Friend on a one-year deal, on a free transfer.

The 35-year-old left Championship side Birmingham City this summer following three years with the club.

He can play at left or centre-back and made 52 appearances for the Blues, though only seven last season.

Friend previously spent eight years with Middlesbrough, winning promotion to the Premier League, and also played for Exeter City and Doncaster Rovers.

"George is a class act and his experience speaks for itself. He will make a great addition to our defensive line and I look forward to working with him," Bristol Rovers manager Joey Barton said.

[themaclad]

Bristol Rovers have signed goalkeeper Matthew Cox and defender Tristan Crama on season-long loans from Premier League club Brentford.

The pair were both in the Bees side which won the Premier League Cup for Under-21 sides in May, beating Blackburn 2-1 in the final.

Cox, 20, also made four appearances for England at the Under-23 World Cup.

Crama, 21, joined Brentford from French club Beziers in 2020 and, like Cox, has yet to make a first-team appearance.

Both played against Rovers in a recent pre-season friendly, which Joey Barton's team won 1-0.