'Nowhere else' - Scott Sinclair's first words after signing new Bristol Rovers contract

Scott Sinclair has declared that there is nowhere he'd rather be than Bristol Rovers after putting pen to paper on a new one-year contract to extend his stay at the Mem.

The winger was one of three players out of contract offered a new deal at the end of last season alongside Jordan Rossiter and Luca Hoole. Rovers have confirmed that Rossiter has departed the club while no official confirmation has been published on Hoole's status at the time of writing.

Having come through the academy and going on to become the club's second-youngest debutant at the age of 15 years and 277 days in 2004, Sinclair re-joined Rovers in 2022 and has been a firm fan favourite ever since.

On extending his stay with the Gas, the 35-year-old told club media: "It feels amazing to sign this new deal with Rovers. I’m so happy to have extended my stay with the club. There is honestly nowhere else I would rather be than right here.

“I think everyone knows what this club means to me and the special place it holds in my heart. It’s mad to think it was 20 years ago this coming December that I made my debut for Rovers at 15-years-old. To be playing here, wearing this badge and shirt, it means the world to me.

“Coming back for the first day of pre-season, it’s great to see all the lads again, meet the new players and staff and feel the excitement for the new season. There is already a great feeling around the place and a lot of eagerness to put in the hard work and be ready for our fixtures. I’m excited to be part of it again this season.”

Rovers players reported back to The Quarters for day one of pre-season on Monday as preparations for the 2024/25 season get under way, with seven new signings already confirmed.

Taylor Moore is the eldest of the seven at 27 while Joel Senior is 25, Isaac Hutchinson 24, Clinton Mola and Ruel Sotiriou 23, Bryant Bilongo 22 and Dan Ellison 19 which, with the other young players already at the club, suggests that the Gas will have a particularly young line up this season.

With that considered, the experience of Sinclair will prove invaluable on and off the pitch with the winger boasting enormous clubs such as Celtic, Manchester City, Aston Villa and Chelsea on his CV having had a stellar career so far.

In terms of the Gas' other more senior options, James Wilson and Chris Martin are also 35 while Jack Hunt is 33 with Jevani Brown and Grant Ward (29) also amongst the most experienced players in Matt Taylor's squad.

Having spent the best part of four months out of the team, the wide man became a regular under Taylor from February onwards and was one of Rovers' best players during a tricky end of the campaign.