Ryan De Havilland’s becomes the first signing for Bristol Rovers in the January transfer window
15:00, 03 Jan 2026Updated 18:22, 03 Jan 2026
Arsenal under-21s left-back Lino Sousa is closed down by Ryan De Havilland of Peterborough United during the EFL Trophy match at the Weston Homes Stadium on December 5, 2023 – Photo by Alan Walter – Arsenal FC/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Bristol Rovers’ new signing Ryan De Havilland has said that “it feels really good to be here,” after signing a two-and-a-half year contract for the club on January 3.
The Peterborough United midfielder becomes the first player to sign for Steve Evans’ side in this window, after only making two appearances in all competitions for the Posh so far this season.
Speaking to Rovers club media after signing for the club, De Havilland said: “It feels really good to be here. It’s been very quick, but I’m very happy to be here and get going. Speaking to the gaffer about the aspirations of the Club, it just felt like the right thing for me right now.
“It’s a very busy period, but I’m very happy to get it done so quickly, as it’s early in January, so I can just hit the ground running. Bristol Rovers is a massive Club, and it shouldn’t be where it is in League Two, and I’ll try my best to give my all to get it where it should be.”
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Speaking about the arrival of De Havilland, Evans said: “I am delighted to welcome Ryan to Bristol Rovers. Ryan will bring energy, tenacity and a good footballing brain to our midfield.
“More importantly, I know Ryan is hungry to succeed and get his talents on display again as part of our team. It’s nice to get him in so early in the transfer window, and my thanks go to Ricky Martin. The boy showed a real desire to be here, and I’m looking forward to working with him.”
Ricky Martin also provided his thoughts on Rovers’ first signing of the window. “We are pleased to welcome Ryan to the Club,” he said. “After Steve’s appointment as Head Coach, it was important to quickly identify our key targets in the transfer window. I’d like to express my thanks to all involved in our recruitment process for moving swiftly to bring Ryan in.”
“At 24, Ryan is still young but already has a good level of experience in the EFL, having played 50 times in League One during his time with Peterborough. He is creative and versatile, and we are happy he has chosen to join us as we seek to push up the League Two table.”
Ben Wyatt of Torquay United seems to be clearly fouled by Ryan De Havilland of Barnet during the National League match between Torquay United and Barnet at Plainmoor Torquay, Devon on Saturday 18th February 2023 – PHOTO: Dave Crawford/PPAUK
The 24-year-old spent time as an academy player at Fulham before going on loan at Metropolitan Police while at the Cottagers. He then made the switch to Barnet in October 2021.
At Barnet, De Havilland had loan spells at non-league clubs Hayes & Yeading United and Beaconsfield Town, while also making over 64 appearances for the Bees between 2021 and 2023.
In the summer of 2023, the midfielder joined Posh for an undisclosed fee and since then, he has made 70 appearances in all competitions for the League One side, scoring five and registering one assist.
He also has one appearance for England C, scoring on his debut against Wales.
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The midfielder is Evans’ first signing as the Rovers head coach, joining for an undisclosed fee, with the 63-year-old picking up four points from four games in League Two. Since the start of his tenure, Evans stressed that he and Martin will be busy in January to secure new additions to the squad.
De Havilland looks to be a smart signing, especially with Josh McEachran’s current injury issues and the fact that Alfie Chang, Kamil Conteh and Joel Cotterill are all early in their development.
Next up for the Gas is a trip to Barrow on 4th January, with a nine-day break until the next game, which is a round of 16 tie against Plymouth Argyle in the Vertu Trophy.
De Havilland will wear the number 15 shirt for the Gas.