Bristol Rovers are closing in on securing Joel Cotterill on loan from Championship side Swansea City.
The Gasmen have had a rocky start to their time back in League Two, but have bounced back from three straight league losses to claim seven points from their last three matches. Darrell Clarke’s side are still looking for deals to complete before today’s 7pm deadline, and have seemingly closed in on one target with previous fourth-tier experience.
Cotterill Set For Move
According to Bristol Live’s Dan Hargreaves, Joel Cotterill is set to make the short trip over the Severn Bridge from parent club Swansea City to join Bristol Rovers on a season-long loan. The 20-year-old would be the third midfield signing of the summer at the Memorial Stadium, having also recruited Josh McEachran from Oxford United and Ryan Howley from Coventry City with both being free transfers.
Cotterill spent last season in the South West on loan, playing for Swindon Town and was a big help in their resurgence under Ian Holloway in the latter half of the campaign. He made 48 appearances for The Robins with five goals and two assists to his name. He has also spent time at Stockport County during their League Two title campaign, but was recalled to South Wales halfway through that season.
The report also confirmed that a sale of current Pirates midfielder Kamil Conteh is unlikely with links to Derby County and Plymouth Argyle amongst others earlier in the window.
Writers’ View
This is a great move and a strong final addition to Bristol Rovers’ midfield department for the summer window. Joel Cotterill was a very reliable player for Swindon Town last season as they made their push for playoff football last season, and now will have a chance to play for a side which should be in contention for automatic promotion this season. Game time will surely be a concern with the quality of players like McEachran, Kamil Conteh and Isaac Hutchinson at the club, but it is up to the 20-year-old to prove he deserves to play to Darrell Clarke.
