Bristol Rovers have completed the signing of former Portsmouth and Doncaster Rovers frontman John Marquis, with the 30-year-old signing on a free transfer.
Marquis becomes the Gas’ fourth summer signing and their first at the attacking end of the pitch having brought in defenders James Connolly and James Gibbons plus deep-lying midfielder Jordan Rossiter so far.
Marquis has considerable pedigree in League One having made 247 appearances in the division for Doncaster, Portsmouth and, most recently, Lincoln City where he scored five goals in 20 appearances last season.
Marquis, who has signed a two-year contract, will bolster an attacking unit alongside last season’s top scorer Aaron Collins, Ryan Loft and Harvey Saunders. Having spent some of the off-season training in Dubai, he will join up with the rest of the Gas squad in Portugal later this week.
“We are excited to be able to announce that John Marquis has signed for Bristol Rovers,” manager Joey Barton said. “John is a player I’ve admired for some time. He is a real coup for us, a proven goalscorer at League One level and a great addition.
“After speaking to him over the last few weeks it was clear that, like me, he believes he can continue to improve. Our group will continue to push to get better every day and John will fit in superbly.
“John is keen to get going and will fly out tonight to join up with us in Portugal in what has already been a really solid few days of training.”
Marquis’ arrival is also expected to end Rovers’ pursuit of former Ipswich Town striker James Norwood. The 30-year-old has been on the Gas’ radar, along with Oxford United, and his preference was understood to be a move to north Bristol, but Rovers have now pivoted to Marquis as their top target in that position.
“I’m looking forward to starting a new challenge with Bristol Rovers and, after speaking to the manager, and seeing the training ground, I knew this was the right place to play football for the next couple of years,” Marquis said.
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