Scott Sinclair has signed a new 18-month contract with Bristol Rovers with the veteran winger saying he can’t wait to make more memories in the blue and white quarters.
Sinclair made an emotional return to the Gas in October on a free transfer - 17 years after he first left the club as a schoolboy to sign for Chelsea - agreeing a short-term deal until January.
That was due to expire next week and talks have been taking place since November as the 33-year-old has become an integral member of Joey Barton’s first-team squad, making 16 appearances in all competitions and scoring four goals and adding one assist.
Barton has remained relaxed throughout the process although conceding the Bath-born forward has had interest from Championship clubs, however Rovers have concluded negotiations with Sinclair a Gashead until the end of next season.
"I'm delighted to be staying at Rovers. It's a club that means a huge amount to me, having started my footballing journey in the blue-and-white quarters,” Sinclair said. "I hope the fans can see how much I want to be here and I look forward to making more memories at this great football club."
Those memories have included his full debut for the club, with his two previous appearances in 2004 being as a substitute, and his first goal while donning the blue and white quarters, fittingly in front of the Thatcher's End.
Having enjoyed a long career in the Premier League with Manchester City, Aston Villa and Swansea City, plus significant success north of the border with Celtic, Sinclair’s move back to the West Country has allowed him to be closer to his family in Bath. He’s relished the opportunity to play in front of his parents without the added burden of them having to travel hundreds of miles around the country.
The 33-year-old has quickly become a popular member of the dressing room, not only with the quality he brings on the field but in the standards he sets as a professional for the younger elements of the squad. Barton has frequently praised Sinclair’s commitment to fitness and his diet, and the impact that can have on his teammates.
In a football sense, Sinclair has been a versatile addition to the squad, able to play across the front three in midfield and, most recently, at left wing-back having also been stationed on the right.
He’s also developed a knack for scoring important goals as three of his four strikes - against Rochdale in the FA Cup, Peterborough United and Cambridge United - have been winners.
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