Bristol Rovers have confirmed that Paul Coutts, Harry Anderson and Calum Macdonald will leave the club next month when their contracts expire, while the club remain in negotiation with a quartet of players including midfielders Josh Grant and Grant Ward.
Rovers published their retained list on Saturday morning with Coutts’ departure the only surprising aspect as manager Joey Barton had already revealed in the wake of their 3-2 defeat to Bolton Wanderers on the final day of the 2022/23 season that Anderson won’t be offered new terms due to his injury problems which have limited him to sporadic appearances since the start of the year.
Coutts hasn’t played since February due to knee issues but had begun to assume a coaching position ahead of the summer, with Barton indicating he could become part of his staff. Bristol Live understands that still remains an option for the Scot but an agreement is yet to be struck between both parties.
Coutts and Anderson were key members of Rovers’ promotion-winning squad last season, while Macdonald signed for the club on a short-term contract on deadline day in January from Stockport County but has been unable to consistently force his way into the starting XI, playing only 148 league minutes.
Along with the exits of that trio from the playing staff, the Gas also confirmed the retirements of defender Nick Anderton, who had made his own announcement in April as he undergoes chemotherapy for osteosarcoma, and winger Alex Rodman.
The 36-year-old hasn’t played for Rovers since August 2021 due to a back injury and a broken foot with Barton losing patience over his lack of availability, but was the longest-serving member of the club having signed from Shrewsbury Town in the summer of 2018 and made 96 appearances.
Anssi Jaakkola balanced playing duties with a new role as goalkeeper coach last season and the Finn has now been offered the latter position on a full-time basis, which would also lead to his retirement if he was to accept it.
Rovers remain hopeful they can secure midfielders Grant and Ward to new contracts, while the club are also in negotiations with young duo Ryan Jones and Harvey Greenslade.
Grant has battled a series of injury issues and didn’t play at all in the 2022/23 season but Barton is a huge admirer of the Chelsea academy product and wants to keep him in north Bristol.
Ward was arguably Rovers’ best acquisition of the January window as he arrived on a free transfer from Blackpool and made 17 starts, anchoring the midfield over the second half of the season.
Rovers retained list
Under contract: James Belshaw, Trevor Clarke, Aaron Collins, James Connolly, Antony Evans, Sam Finley, Lewis Gordon, James Gibbons, Luca Hoole, Jerry Lawrence, Ryan Loft, John Marquis, Luke McCormick, Jordan Rossiter, Scott Sinclair, Jed Ward
Contract offered: Josh Grant, Harvey Greenslade, Ryan Jones, Grant Ward. Anssi Jaakkola offered role of goalkeeper coach.
Released: Harry Anderson, Paul Coutts, Calum Macdonald
Retired: Nick Anderton, Alex Rodman
Loan returns: Ellery Balcombe, Lamare Bogarde, Josh Coburn, Lewis Gibson, Jarell Quansah
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