Bristol Rovers' preparations for next season are gathering pace with pre-season just a few short weeks away.
There may be uncertainty over the shape of Joey Barton's squad ahead of the League One campaign with the futures of Antony Evans, Sam Nicholson and the host of loan stars that were so influential in Rovers' promotion undecided, but the manager is in a position of strength compared to a year ago.
Several key players are under contract and the immediate futures of promising young prospects have been tied up, too. Here is the contract status of Barton's first-team squad ahead of the return to training later this month...
James Belshaw
Why Harrogate Town allowed James Belshaw to leave on a free remains a mystery. He was a roaring success at Rovers after signing as Anssi Jaakkola's backup and he quickly claimed the number one spot. His excellent form was rewarded with a new contract in March, extending his deal at the Mem by a year to the summer of 2024.
Anssi Jaakkola
Anssi Jaakkola inked a two-year contract with Rovers in 2020 after an impressive debut season that was curtailed by a shoulder injury. Further fitness problems have persisted in the seasons since, losing his number one role to Belshaw last season. His contract included a one-year option and although there has been no confirmation from the club this summer, Barton confirmed Jaakkola is under contract until 2023 in an interview with BBC Radio Bristol.
Jed Ward
Goalkeeping prospect Jed Ward is highly rated by Rovers are hopeful he will make the grade in the coming years. The teenager's contract status has never been fully disclosed but Rovers have confirmed he is under contract for 2022/23.
Luca Hoole
Luca Hoole enjoyed a breakthrough campaign for the Gas last season and the 20-year-old academy graduate was duly rewarded with a new contract in February that will keep him at the Mem until 2024.
Alfie Kilgour
Tying Alfie Kilgour down to a new contract in the summer of 2020 was one of the main priorities for then-manager Ben Garner after a stellar campaign for the centre-back. First chaos around him, then injuries have slowed his progression since, but he will be eager to bounce back next season with his contract at Rovers running until 2023.
Nick Anderton
Nick Anderton became one of the most dependable players for Barton down the stretch, playing a number of defensive roles both as a starter and a substitute. He has League One experience with Blackpool and Accrington Stanley and he will return to the third tier next season, under contract at the Mem until the end of next season.
Trevor Clarke
Barton has showed his faith in Trevor Clarke by rewarding him with a new contract despite an injury-hit first season with the Gas. He could only make seven League Two appearances last term, but he was able to impress the manager in that time and last week the 24-year-old penned a new deal which runs to 2024, with the option for a further year.
Josh Grant
Josh Grant has experienced plenty in his time with the Gas, relegated in his first season with the club before becoming one of the few surviving members of that team to taste promotion a year later. His stay in BS7 is set to last at least another year, with his contract running to 2023.
Jamie Egan
Irish defender Jamie Egan has signed his first professional contract with the Gas and will hope to make an impression in pre-season. The defender has signed terms until the end of the 2022/23 campaign.
Sam Heal
Sam Heal was on track to be part of Barton's squad last season before he suffered a serious knee injury, a nightmare scenario for a first-year professional. He does have a second chance to make the grade, however, signing a six-month deal this summer that will expire in December 2022.
Paul Coutts
Paul Coutts, the club captain, was a critical member of Rovers' promotion-winning team and he will be pivotal as they make the step up to League One next season. He triggered a one-year extension last season and is under contract until 2023.
Sam Finley
Like Coutts, Sam Finley was a crucial contributor to Rovers' success. He was one of the best midfielders in League Two and he will be eager to show he is just as effective in the third tier. The 29-year-old is midway through a two-year contract that runs until the end of next season.
Zain Westbrooke
Zain Westbrooke's time as a Rovers player has not gone to plan, spending the second half of last season out on loan at Stevenage. He is entering the final year of a three-year contract which will expire in June 2023, but it is likely he will be playing elsewhere next season.
Alex Rodman
Like Jaakkola, there was some uncertainty over Alex Rodman's future at Rovers. He signed a new contract with the club during the 2020/21 season, but it was not announced by the club. It was thought to be a one-year extension, but Rodman was included on Rovers' retained list last month and Barton has since confirmed he is under contract for the 2022/23 campaign.
Ryan Jones
Versatile 20-year-old Ryan Jones started to make an impression for the Gas last season, included in many matchday squads and scoring at Exeter in the EFL Trophy. He spent time on loan at Bath City towards the end of the season and returns to Rovers with his contract expiring at the end of next season.
Harry Anderson
Harry Anderson has experienced more than most 25-year-olds, with five full seasons as a regular starter in the EFL under his belt. He was a vital cog in the Rovers machine last season, playing a wide variety of roles and scoring several crucial goals in the run-in. The winger is under contract until 2023.
Aaron Collins
Aaron Collins will long be remembered as one of the stars of Rovers' promotion season, scoring 18 goals over the course of the campaign, with five in the final two games to secure promotion for the Gas. The striker is under contract until the end of next season and the club will certainly be eager to extend his terms.
Harvey Saunders
Harvey Saunders, like Collins, signed a two-year contract with the Gas on June 25, 2021. The striker did not enjoy the same prominence, with a promising start in Rovers colours halted by injury issues. By the time he returned, he was on the fringes, but made some vital contributions over the course of the season. His contract lasts until 2023.
Ryan Loft
Ryan Loft did not make the flying start he would have hoped for with the Gas, although his maiden goal for the club at Port Vale was an unforgettable moment in a season not lacking in them. Loft hopes to make a bigger impact with a full pre-season under his belt with the club, and Barton has insisted the target man was always viewed as a long-term project for the Gas. He has a contract at the Mem until the end of the 2023/24 season.
Harvey Greenslade
Like Egan, Harvey Greenslade has signed as a first-year pro. The young striker caught Barton's eye in training last season and he will hope to make a lasting impression by the time his contract expires in 2023.
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