Attacking midfielder has impressed on loan at Whaddon Road, but Bristol Rovers retain the option to recall him during the January transfer window
13:03, 05 Jan 2026Updated 13:09, 05 Jan 2026
Isaac Hutchinson celebrates a goal for Cheltenham Town(Image: Nizaam Jones/CTFC )
Cheltenham Town loanee Isaac Hutchinson was back at parent club Bristol Rovers today for talks with manager Steve Evans over a possible recall, Gloucestershire Live understands.
Attacking midfielder Hutchinson, who has 18 months left on his contract at the Memorial Stadium, has scored eight goals since joining Cheltenham on a season-long loan at the end of the summer transfer window.
The 25-year-old has made it clear he wants to remain with Steve Cotterill’s side for the rest of the campaign; a stance confirmed by both player and manager, but Rovers have a specific timeframe within the January transfer window during which they can recall him.
They signed another attack-minded midfielder, Ryan De Havilland from Peterborough United, at the start of the January window.
Evans told Bristol Live on December 29: “The intention at the minute is that Isaac will be coming back.
“He may end up there but, you know, Cheltenham Town have got to talk if they want to keep him, because there’s a date on that deal that says it’s finished. And then they have to talk to me, and I’ll be a bit harder, maybe.”
When questioned about Hutchinson’s future on New Year’s Day, following the Robins’ defeat at Crewe Alexandra, Cotterill said: “I noticed there has been a lot of talk about Isaac.
“I was asked a question and I answered about whether he wanted to stay here, which he does and he’s made that clear. It’s not for us to contact Bristol Rovers.
“There is a date in the contract that says they can recall him. He’s on a season-long loan, but there is a date they can recall him from and a date that closes in January.
“It’s not for us to be contacting anyone else. When the agreement was done, it was done for a season-long loan. That’s why I haven’t contacted anyone.”
Prior to joining Cheltenham, Hutchinson and his family were subjected to abuse from Rovers fans, prompting the club to issue a statement condemning the behaviour.
Bristol Rovers said: “The club is appalled by abuse levelled towards Isaac Hutchinson and his family.
“We have a zero-tolerance policy towards abuse of any kind and will work closely with the relevant parties, including the EFL and police, to identify those responsible.”
Cheltenham host Championship club Leicester City in the FA Cup third round on Saturday (12.15pm).
Hutchinson has been a key figure in the competition so far, heading the winner against Bradford City in round one before scoring twice in a 6-2 victory over non-league Buxton in the second round.
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