Bristol Rovers have been testing the waters of a permanent deal for Ryan Howley. The Gas had placed the former Coventry City on a trial period with the club, but have reportedly agreed an official deal.
Following the midfielder’s release from the Sky Blues this summer, Rovers were keen to offer the 21-year-old a professional continuation in the EFL. In a recent friendly match, as a trialist, Howley played until the hour mark against Chippenham Town. A solid performance from central midfield helped earn a 2-1 victory for the South West outfit.
The Pirates’ latest reported addition is yet to be unveiled, but has travelled to Rovers’ pre-season camp in Spain this week. Having already sealed five deals this summer, the midfielder will look to add even more experience for an important League Two campaign.
An undisclosed fee for Bolton Wanderers’ Luke Southwood has highlighted Rovers’ ambition to immediately return to the third tier next season. Jack Sparkes, Macauley Southam-Hales and Alfie Kilgour will all move down from League One in free purchases. The most welcomed addition has been Josh McEachran, who signed from Championship side Oxford United on a free deal.
Howley was promoted through the academy sides at the CBS Arena, with an under-18 squad involvement from 2020-2022. Since the midfielder’s first team call-up in July 2021, Howley has featured eight times – five of which came in the Championship. However, the Sky Blues haven’t fielded the Welshman since 2023, instead opting to nurture his development in Scotland with two separate loan spells.
In the 2023/24 campaign, Howley signed temporarily for Dundee FC, where he featured in 13 games across their Premiership season. A drop in league level the following year saw the 21-year-old play just ten times in the Scottish Championship for Ayr United. Bristol Rovers will be hoping to offer a more consistent, permanent place in the squad as they search for instant promotion.
After two injury-ravaged seasons, the fitness of Rovers’ latest signing may be a concern over a full season, but Howley has the experience and quality to thrive in the fourth tier of English football.
Writer’s View
Bristol Rovers are building an underrated collection of free transfers this summer. Most notably, McEachran’s signature is an exceptional addition. The former Oxford United midfielder played enough times in the Championship last season to be able to emerge as a key figure in the Gas changing room, and as a leader on the pitch.
Howley could fit in well with the midfield department at Rovers. Particularly off the bat of McEachran’s signature, the two could form a quality partnership or be part of a crucial mentorship in the upcoming campaign.
