Bristol Rovers have signed Josh Hare on a free transfer following the expiration of his contract with National League Eastleigh.
The twenty-four-year-old defender chipped in with five goals in forty-three league appearances for the Spitfires in 2018/19.
The 6ft right-back started his career at Gillingham but suffered knee ligament damage in January 2015, just as he was breaking into the first team.
He left the Gills in the summer of 2016 for Eastbourne and then signed for Maidstone in 2017 before arriving at EastleighΒ on a one year deal last summer.
Hare had a great season in Hampshire, helping the Spitfires to the National League playoffs and contributing six assists to his five goals, earning him a place in the Vanarama National League team of the season.
Speaking aboutΒ Rovers third summer signing, manager Graham Coughlin told the club’s official website: ‘We are confident he is ready to take the step into the Football League.’
Hare is an attacking full-back with ambitions to play at the highest level, and Gas fans soon took to social media to comment positively on the signing which comes a day after they announced the capture of former Coventry City defender Tom Davies.
Here is a selection of their responses to the news on Twitter.
Did we just announce promotion?
— Daniel Sheppard (@DanielShepps) June 12, 2019
Welcome to The Gas, Josh.π Coming together nicely.
— Becky Hubbard (@Bec2480) June 12, 2019
Great signing young versatile and attacking π₯π₯
— Alfie Rendall (@RendallAlfie) June 12, 2019
Class
— Will (@WillBRFC) June 12, 2019
Welcome to the gas Josh, hopefully now this will finalise our position for defenders, now we need two goalies, an LW and a decent striker. Starting to shape up nicely #UTG π΅βͺπ΅βͺ
— π‘ππͺπ·π· ππ²π°π·πͺπ·πΈ (@Ryann_BRFC_95) June 12, 2019
Conference TOTS. Good quality, great signing for backup RB imo.
— Sam (@TAMMYSZN) June 12, 2019
https://twitter.com/brfc100/status/1138823435356913664
Whatβs going on here!!! Another signing! good luck & welcome to the Gas Josh! #UTG
— Katy pullin (@Kpz2005) June 12, 2019
