Josh McEachran details Bristol Rovers excitement as Gas sign experienced midfielder

Bristol Rovers have confirmed their fifth signing of the summer

Daniel Hargraves Bristol Rovers reporter

17:00, 30 Jun 2025Updated 17:03, 30 Jun 2025

Josh McEachran has signed a two-year deal at Bristol Rovers(Image: Bristol Rovers FC)

Josh McEachran has called Bristol Rovers “a project I [he] was really excited about” after the 32-year-old midfielder was confirmed as Rovers‘ fifth signing of the summer on a free transfer from Oxford United.

The former Chelsea youth product has penned a two-year deal in BS7 following his release from the Us and has played in both the Premier League and Champions League for the Blues alongside making over 150 appearances in the Championship.

12 of those came last season with United, whom McEachran helped to promotion from League One in the 2023/24 season via the play-offs.

Speaking to Rovers’ club media, the midfielder said: “I am delighted to be here. Having met the gaffer and Ricky Martin, it became clear that this was a project I was really excited about and something that I wanted to be a part of.

“I am really excited to be here. I will give 110 per cent every game. Coming here in previous years, the Mem has always been a really tough place to visit. I’m looking forward to playing here and giving my all for these fans.”

As well as Oxford and Chelsea, McEachran has also played for the likes of MK Dons, Birmingham City, Brentford, Wigan Athletic, Vitesse Arnhem, Watford, Middlesbrough and Swansea City during an extensive career and brings valuable experience to Darrell Clarke’s squad.

On the capture of the 32-year-old, Clarke said: “I am delighted to welcome Josh to the club. He is calm on the ball and will bring vision, maturity and experience to our midfield.

“He is a brilliantly talented player and a top-level professional who will add quality and personality to our team on and off the pitch.”

Director of football Ricky Martin added: “Josh is a highly experienced, ball-playing midfielder whose ability will enable us to effectively control matches in the style of football we want to see from this squad.

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“His education and upbringing in the game is second to none, maturing into great leader with significant experience at the highest level. He will bring all those attributes and more to our dressing room and training ground, and be a vital part of setting a high standard at the club.”

McEachran is Rovers’ fifth signing of the summer after left-back Jack Sparkes, centre-back Alfie Kilgour, right-back Macauley Southam-Hales and goalkeeper Brad Young.

The Gas are expected to add another signing in goalkeeper Luke Southwood in the coming days, Bristol Live understands, after a deal was agreed with Bolton Wanderers.

Fans will be able to witness at least some of the club’s new signings in action this Friday when Rovers visit Chippenham Town in their first pre-season friendly.

Josh McEachran details Bristol Rovers excitement as Gas sign experienced midfielder

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