Bristol Rovers Make Decision As Deadline Day Exit Looms

It is believed that Bristol Rovers will not make a signing should Josh Griffiths be recalled by West Bromwich Albion.

The Pirates look set to lose their on-loan goalkeeper as a result of the move for Alex Palmer to Ipswich Town, with the Express and Star reporting that the 23-year-old would be promoted by Tony Mowbray upon the completion of the move.

Ward Set To Take Spot

Bristol Live’s James Hargreaves has reported that should Griffiths leave The Memorial Stadium today, then Jed Ward would become the first-choice keeper for Inigo Calderon’s side. He is currently on loan at National League side Forest Green Rovers.

The 21-year-old has thrived with the non-league promotion contenders, keeping nine clean sheets and conceding just 21 goals in 26 matches for the team currently third in the fifth tier. Ward was the starting keeper for a long stretch of last season, playing 18 League One games for Matt Taylor’s side.

Last year saw him step up to England’s youth setup, playing two friendly games for the Under-20 team.

Writer’s View

It is a big blow to lose Josh Griffiths for Bristol Rovers as he has arguably been their best player this season in what has been a sub-par campaign for The Gas. He has however earned his chance to show his ability in the Championship with West Brom and even if they won’t see any money because of it, they can take pride in readying him to get to that level. However, for Rovers, they do have a good player in Jed Ward to step up in his place. A homegrown player, he was very impressive in his appearances last season and been a major player for Forest Green Rovers this season. He can certainly play at this level and is a move which will allow any transfer budget to be spent elsewhere today.

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