Shaq Forde reveals Ruel Sotiriou conversations as ex-Leyton Orient loanee joins Bristol Rovers

Shaq Forde has admitted that former Leyton Orient teammate Ruel Sotiriou offered a helping hand in Bristol Rovers' capture of the striker after the 20-year-old joined the Gas from Watford on a three-year deal with the option of a further season for an undisclosed fee.

Forde spent last season on loan at Orient, scoring nine goals in 40 League One appearances which saw the young forward play in both matches against Rovers.

The 20-year-old's arrival came as a surprise to many as he was announced as the summer transfer window officially closed with the deal completed in time on deadline day.

Speaking to club media, Forde said: "I'm excited to join Bristol Rovers. It's been a long day with a lot to do, but I'm really happy to finally get the deal done and be a Bristol Rovers player.

"Making a move on transfer deadline day is an exciting, new experience for me and I'm glad we got this one over the line so I could join Rovers. The club has shown me just how much they value me and want me here too. I can't wait to meet the boys and get started now.

"I know Ruel Sotiriou from our time together at Leyton Orient last season, because I was on loan there, and every time I've spoken to him he's only had great things to say about the Club, the facilities and the people here. He's loving life at Bristol Rovers and in this city, and he told me how the club is perfect for young players to come and get even better. What he said really helped convince me that this was the right place to continue my career too.”

On the addition of the striker, manager Matt Taylor added: "We are delighted to secure the signing of Shaq and bring him to Bristol Rovers. Shaq comes to us at a good age, with a lot of potential and a good record in League One last season, and we are looking forward to working with him going forward."

Born in Watford, Forde came through the Hornets academy and debuted for the Championship outfit as a 17-year-old, coming off the bench in an FA Cup match against Leicester City in January 2022

The forward then made a loan move to Southern League Premier Division South side Kings Langley where he scored two goals in three appearances before returning to the Hornets to train with the first team.

Forde’s performances throughout the campaign earned him the 2021/22 Young Player of the Season award at Watford, with the attacker signing a professional contract with the club.

The then-teenager then made his second loan move in December 2022, joining York City in the National League for the remainder of the 2022/23 campaign, scoring nine goals in 20 league outings which included a hat-trick against Maidstone United. Last term saw the striker step up to League One level with Orient where he impressed for the East London outfit.

Forde becomes Rovers' 16th and likely final signing of the summer window and their second deadline day arrival alongside fellow forward Gatlin O'Donkor who joined on a season-long loan from Oxford United.

Elsewhere, the Gas have seen Jevani Brown depart on loan for Notts County while they also have Promise Omochere and Sotiriou in their forward ranks alongside Chris Martin who is expected to be sidelined for a significant period of time with a broken fibula.

The understanding is that Forde won't be available to play for Rovers in their League One clash at home to Cambridge United on Saturday given that players have to be registered by noon the day before a match to be eligible.