'Would be excellent' - What Bristol Rovers could expect from transfer target Cameron Dawson

As previously reported, Bristol Live understands that Bristol Rovers are in talks with Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper Cameron Dawson and are confident that they can get a deal over the line.

If completed, the move would see the 28-year-old reunited with former manager Matt Taylor for whom he was first choice on loan at Exeter City in their League Two promotion season in 2021/22, playing 45 of the Grecians' 46 league games.

It would also see the conclusion of a 12-year association with Wednesday, having come through the academy in S6, during which Dawson has gone on to make 129 senior appearances for the Owls with 83 of those coming in the Championship.

During his time at Hillsborough, the goalkeeper earned himself a League One promotion, helping Wednesday to success in the League One play-offs just over a year ago before spending the majority of last term as second choice.

It certainly sounds as though this would be an impressive coup for the Gas when you speak to people who know him. However, one person who has gotten to know Dawson well over the years is Sheffield Wednesday writer at the Sheffield Star Alex Miller who spoke to Bristol Live about what Gasheads can expect from the potential addition.

Dawson joined Sheffield Wednesday as a youngster back in 2012. What makes you think that he may have made the decision to leave permanently and what factors would come into play?

Cam has had a fascinating career at S6, with some soaring highs and snake belly lows. He's constantly been chopped and changed by different managers in competition with other 'keepers, initially with fellow academy graduate Joe Wildsmith and Kieren Westwood, then with David Stockdale and latterly with Devis Vasquez and James Beadle.

He signed a long-term contract under Garry Monk in January 2020 in what felt like a statement that he was Monk's man, but has been in a state of flux since. Dawson has had a mixed relationship with the club's fans and with Ben Hamer coming in it feels like a sensible time for him to spread his wings and make a go of it elsewhere.

Dawson got a run of games from October to January but was dropped for the final chunk of the campaign. What were the reasons for Danny Rohl deciding to make a change in between the sticks?

Put simply, it was down to the loan signing of James Beadle, an England youth international of big repute at Brighton. Rohl's preference for a ball-playing keeper was evident - Dawson's ability with ball at feet is understated - and after an up-and-down start Beadle ultimately came in to play a big part in the Owls' survival last season.

How integral was he two seasons ago getting Wednesday promoted from League One?

Huge. Dawson started out of the side as David Stockdale took the gloves, then he was in, the out, then back in again. Knees bent, arms stretched and all that. But his form in the final weeks of the promotion season was as good as it ever was, he made big saves in the play-off semi-final Miracle and his performance at Wembley was exceptional. I remember speaking to him after the final and the Wednesday fan in him was evident - a really lovely memory. Then once again it was all-change and Wednesday brought in Devis Vasquez on loan from AC Milan.

Do you believe that League One is his level or could he have gotten a Championship move to be a number one?

I can't claim to be an expert on goalkeeping, but I'd suggest there's a Championship goalkeeper in there. At his best and most confident, he pulls off great saves and commands his area well. What will be interesting is watching him head on out and make something of himself away from Wednesday and away from the intense scrutiny he has experienced at times. Joe WIldsmith has done it at Derby and I've huge confidence Dawson can do it, too, particularly with a manager he's had success with before.

How do you evaluate the signing for Bristol Rovers if completed?

I think it would be an excellent signing. Dawson and Taylor have a great relationship - he spoke about staying in touch during Taylor's time down the road at Rotherham United - and you can't help but feel that's important for a goalkeeper. If he can get a run of games as a number one and get some momentum going, I've little doubt he'll be a great success. He's a great bloke, too. Fans will like him.