Talks taking place today between the pair over potential recall
12:57, 05 Jan 2026Updated 13:04, 05 Jan 2026
CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 10: Isaac Hutchinson of Cheltenham Town scores his team’s first goal during the Sky Bet League Two match between Cheltenham Town and Notts County FC at The EV Charger Points Stadium on November 10, 2025 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)(Image: Getty Images)
Isaac Hutchinson is in talks with Bristol Rovers head coach Steve Evans at The Quarters Training Facility to discuss a potential recall from Cheltenham Town, Bristol Live and Gloucestershire Live understands.
Since joining the Robins on loan on September 1, Hutchinson has scored eight goals and registered three assists in all competitions for Steve Cotterill’s side. This has led to calls from Rovers fans to recall the 25-year-old, especially given the club’s lack of goals in League Two so far this season, which has seen them drop to 20th – only four points above the relegation zone.
Meanwhile, under Cotterill, who returned to Cheltenham for his second spell on 30 September, they have picked up 26 points from 15 league games since taking charge. This has lifted the Robins nine points clear of the Gas.
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Hutchinson left Rovers to join Cheltenham on a season-long loan on September 1, with Rovers releasing the following statement on September 2, after abuse was directed towards the midfielder and his family:
“Bristol Rovers is appalled by abuse levelled towards Isaac Hutchinson and his family.
“The Club is firm in our zero-tolerance policy towards abuse of any kind. We will work closely with the relevant parties, including the EFL and the police, to identify the individuals involved.
“We would also urge anyone who sees, witnesses or experiences such behaviour to report it to the respective platform and the authorities immediately.”
(Image: Will Cooper/Shutterstock)
This, along with his form at Cheltenham, has meant that Hutchinson has publicised his intent to stay at the Robins for the remainder of the campaign.
On Boxing Day, while speaking to BBC Radio Gloucestershire , he said: “No nothing. I haven’t had any communication whatsoever but if and when I do speak to them I will have that honest conversation and then keep my fingers crossed I guess.”
He added: “I am really happy here. I want to see the season out here. Obviously that’s out of my hands to a certain extent but I have been made to feel really at home here. I’m really happy and I am enjoying my football, I enjoy playing with the boys, it’s a really good group. The gaffer demands a lot but I feel that I am improving under him as well, so I don’t want to change anything.”
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Timeline of Hutchinson-related quotes since Boxing Day:
“I am really happy here. I want to see the season out here.”
“Well, you know, the intention at the minute is that he’ll be coming back. You know, he’ll be coming back, but we’ll see. 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.”
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“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 loan. That’s why I haven’t contacted anyone.”
Next up for Rovers is a round of 16 clash against Plymouth Argyle in the Vertu Trophy on January 13, while Cheltenham will have a sell-out crowd at the EV Charger Points Stadium on Saturday, as they host Leicester City in the third round of the FA Cup.
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