Former Stoke City midfielder Ryan Woods has signed for Joey Barton’s Bristol Rovers on loan from Hull City for the remainder of the 2023/24 season.
Woods was brought to the MKM Stadium for an undisclosed fee last summer when Georgian manager Shota Arveladze was in charge and made 26 appearances in the Championship.
However, Woods fell out of favour under Arveladze’s successor Liam Rosenior and the former Derby County interim boss admitted at the start of this month that the 29-year-old was free to leave before the transfer window closes.
Speaking to Hull Live, Rosenior said [quotes via the Yorkshire Post]:
“He’s a top player, a top lad but he’s just not the right type for us at the moment in terms of our midfield options.
“For me, I’m always honest with the players. I felt it was time to give Ryan that clarity to give him the opportunity. There’s still four weeks left of the transfer window to find another club.”
Woods has found his new club, although the transfer to Bristol Rovers is a season-long loan and so the deep-lying midfielder will return to Hull City at the end of the campaign.
Bristol Rovers manager Barton admitted that the League One club are delighted to sign a player of Woods’ calibre on a temporary basis.
The former Manchester City and Newcastle United midfielder said [quotes via BR’s club media]:
“We are delighted Ryan Woods has agreed to join us on loan from Hull. Ryan is another player who adds both quality and experience to our group and I’m sure he will be a great addition creating more competition for places.”
The Gas did not reveal whether or not Woods would be in the matchday squad for tomorrow’s game at home against Wycombe Wanderers.
Writer’s View
This is a really good signing for a side who are struggling in League One at the moment, having won just once this season so far.
