Bristol Rovers Announces Transfer of Former Chelsea and England U21 Star
BRISTOL ROVERS have included a former Chelsea prospect on their end-of-year retained list, indicating he is available for loan or transfer.
The League Two club put in a strong effort at the end of the season to maintain a mid-table standing in the fourth tier of English football.
Currently, a considerable number of first-team players have been made available to potential suitors for loan or permanent transfer.
Featured on this list is Josh McEachran, a Chelsea academy graduate and former England youth international.
This 33-year-old midfielder made his debut in 2010, featuring in the Premier League and Champions League under manager Carlo Ancelotti.
During that time, he was compared to Spurs and future Real Madrid star Luka Modric for his capacity to orchestrate play from deeper roles.
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However, various loan stints in the ensuing years have hindered his development, causing him to drop down through the leagues.
Last June, he inked a two-year contract with Bristol Rovers, but now, just halfway into that term, he is eligible for a summer transfer.
He joins six other players on the transfer list, while former Luton Town defender Tom Lockyer has had his contract terminated.
The club released a statement regarding the list, stating: “Manager Steve Evans has met with every player in the men’s first team over the past several days, leading to these decisions regarding each player’s future.”
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CHELSEA finds itself in a precarious position, while Nottingham Forest rejoices after becoming yet another team to overcome the Blues at Stamford Bridge.
It took under two minutes for the Blues to concede at home when former Strasbourg winger Dilane Bakwa outsmarted Marc Cucurella and delivered a cross to Taiwo Awoniyi, who was left unmarked at the back post.
Shortly thereafter, Forest secured a second goal following a careless shirt pull by Malo Gusto on Awoniyi, resulting in a penalty converted straight down the middle by Igor Jesus.
Chelsea had opportunities, including Enzo Fernandez hitting the post and debutant Jesse Derry shooting wide, winning a penalty just before half-time, which ultimately led to his being carried off on a stretcher.
Although Cole Palmer missed the penalty, the team faced jeers at half-time once more.
Forest netted a third goal early in the second half, with Awoniyi scoring his second after a low cross from Morgan Gibbs-White set up an easy tap-in.
Joao Pedro scored late in the game, but VAR disallowed it once more.
Nonetheless, the Brazilian managed to score with an impressive overhead kick toward the game’s end.
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The statement concluded that these decisions were essential “as the Club begins the process of building on a successful conclusion to the 2025/26 season and forming a team to compete at the top of Sky Bet League Two next season.”
Manager Evans expressed: “I wish to extend my gratitude to every player and staff member for their contributions since I joined The Gas in December. It has been an incredible effort by the group, and we now look forward to the upcoming season.
“I will provide further insights on my decisions later this week in a video with BRTV, but I want to acknowledge the support of the Chairman, the Board, and the Club for endorsing my recommendations.”
This marks yet another challenging chapter in McEachran’s career, which began to falter after he left Chelsea for Brentford in 2015.
He made over 100 appearances for the then-Championship club before injuries disrupted his tenure there after four years.
Those injuries continued to trouble him during a short spell with Birmingham City from 2019 to 2021, although he gradually became more available after moving to League One side MK Dons.
He then joined Oxford United, playing a vital role in their promotion to the Championship in 2023, before signing with Bristol Rovers after a season in the second tier.