Season-long cut short by Steve Evans’ Bristol Rovers
16:39, 05 Jan 2026Updated 16:56, 05 Jan 2026
Isaac Hutchinson celebrates
Bristol Rovers have recalled midfielder Isaac Hutchinson from his loan spell at Cheltenham Town, Gloucestershire Live understands.
The 25-year-old joined the Robins on the final day of the summer transfer window and has since scored eight goals for the club, including three in the FA Cup.
The arrangement was initially for the full season, but Rovers have exercised their right to recall him during a specified period within the wider January transfer window.
Gloucestershire Live revealed on Monday morning that Hutchinson had returned to the Rovers’ Quarters training ground for a meeting with manager Steve Evans and it now appears his time at Cheltenham has come to an end.
Hutchinson scored the winning goal less than two minutes into his debut – a free-kick against Accrington Stanley to earn Cheltenham their first victory of the season.
That was under Michael Flynn, who Hutchinson had thrived under during a spell at Walsall, but Flynn was sacked on September 20.
His second goal for the club put Cheltenham 1-0 up at Grimsby Town before they capitulated to a 7-1 defeat under caretaker management, ahead of the arrival of Steve Cotterill
Cotterill’s second spell in charge of the Robins began with a 2-0 home win over Fleetwood Town, with Hutchinson scoring the 66th-minute opener.
He then headed in the only goal of the game as Cheltenham shocked League One Bradford City in the FA Cup first round.
After a strike against Notts County in a 2-1 league defeat, Hutchinson scored twice in a 6-2 win over non-league Buxton, when Cheltenham had to come from behind twice to book their place in round three, where they will face Leicester City on Saturday.
Hutchinson’s final Cheltenham goal came in the 3-1 Boxing Day triumph over Shrewsbury Town, successfully converting from the penalty spot to make it 3-0 in the 54th minute.
He started Sunday’s 3-0 home win over Crawley Town, being replaced by Liam Kinsella in the 73rd minute.
Ethon Archer played his last game for Cheltenham at Crewe on New Year’s Day, having now linked up with Luton Town after spending the first half of the season back on loan after his summer move to the League One club.
And fellow wide forward Hakeeb Adelakun signed off with a goal against Crawley, bringing to an end his two-month spell at Whaddon Road.
He is now expected to sign for League One Doncaster Rovers, who are managed by ex-Robins midfielder Grant McCann.
READ MORE: Cheltenham Town loanee Isaac Hutchinson back at Bristol Rovers for talksREAD MORE: Former Bristol City, Hull City and Lincoln City forward Hakeeb Adelakun set to rejoin Doncaster Rovers after leaving Cheltenham Town