Bristol Rovers are still waiting to learn the identity of the remaining two teams that will make up League One in 2023/24 with Barnsley or Sheffield Wednesday and Stockport County or Carlisle United to compete in the third tier based on the outcome of this weekend’s play-off finals.
With the publication of the retained list last Saturday, however, barring a few contract issues that need to be resolved, the Gas can firmly look forward to the summer programme and beyond with recruitment and preparation for next season ahead of them.
As Joey Barton and his staff formulate their plans for both pillars of the next few months, here are some key dates for your diary…
Transfer window
The EFL has confirmed that the transfer window will run in accordance with when the Premier League also opens for business and trading starts from Wednesday, June 14 and until Friday, September 1 at 11pm.
With clubs publishing their released/retained lists, free agents can (and are) being negotiated with, and are able to be announced as new players before the window formally opens.
The dates for the winter window have also been confirmed with clubs able to buy and sell between January 1, 2024 and February 1 at 11pm.
Fixture release day and season kick-off
Rovers will discover their schedule for the 2023/24 campaign on Thursday, June 22 at 9am. It should also be highlighted that the Premier League calendar is confirmed a week earlier on Thursday, June 15.
Fixtures will, of course, be subject to change based on broadcasting requirements, although that doesn’t have as much of an impact at League One level.
With the forthcoming season kicking off on the weekend August 5-6, Rovers are likely to be away on the opening round of the campaign to allow Bristol City to be away on the following weekend when the Bristol Balloon Fiesta takes place.
Pre-season
Rovers are due back in training at The Quarters from the week commencing Monday, June 26, although summer testing with Tom Short and the strength and conditioning team is set to take place before that date.
The Gas are yet to confirm their full fixture schedule for the end of June and July but have released details of two friendlies. Barton’s side will start with a game at Melksham Town on Friday, June 30 ( you can find ticket details here ) and will also travel to Eastleigh’s Silverlake Stadium for a match against the National League side on Saturday, July 8 (ticket details are yet to be confirmed).
Rovers are expected to announce further fixtures shortly with obvious gaps in the calendar on Saturday, July 15, July 22 and July 29.
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