'Exciting' - Clinton Mola's first words as defender becomes Bristol Rovers' second signing

Clinton Mola has called his move to Bristol Rovers as "an exciting opportunity" after the left-back became the Gas' second signing of the summer, signing a three-year deal at the Mem with the option of a fourth.

The 23-year-old was released by fellow League One club Reading at the end of last season having made 30 appearances in the third tier for the Royals.

Mola's arrival makes it two signings in two days for the Gas after they announced the capture of 24-year-old midfielder Isaac Hutchinson from Walsall, also on a three-year deal with the option of a fourth.

Speaking to the club's media, the defender said: "Joining Bristol Rovers is an exciting opportunity for me. When I heard the club was in for me, I was very interested. The club has made me feel very wanted and that was a big part in my decision to join Rovers. I’m very happy to be here and I’m looking forward to getting going.

“With the ambition that comes from the manager, the coaching staff, and from above too, this is a very positive club to be at. When you have a chairman and a board of directors who are ambitious, that trickles down in the right way through the entire club. For me, that’s one of the most positive things about being here.”

Prior to his year at Reading, Mola came through the academy at Chelsea alongside the likes of Conor Gallagher, Marc Guehi, Armando Broja and Tariq Lamptey amongst others. The left-back then went to Germany as an 18-year-old in January 2020, signing for Bundesliga club Stuttgart.

However, over a three-and-a-half year stint, the defender made just 14 appearances for the German outfit with that spell also including a season on loan in the Championship with Blackburn Rovers, during which he played six times.

A mobile and athletic defender, Mola was also capped by England from under-15s to under-21s level and is also capable of playing in defensive midfield. Additionally, at 23 the left-back continues the trend of Rovers targeting young players with high potential which is also reflected by the length of deal offered to him.

On the Gas' second capture of the summer, Matt Taylor added: "Clinton is a versatile defender who possesses some fantastic attributes. He has gained some great experience despite being only 23 years of age. We are looking forward to providing Clinton with the support and consistency he requires to get his game in the best shape possible.

“I look forward to working with Clinton in the coming season.”