2025/26 Bristol Rovers player ratings - Squad ranked after rollercoaster campaign

Here are the 2025/26 Bristol Rovers player ratings after the Gas finished 14th in League Two

05:49, 07 May 2026

(Image: Rachel Le Poidevin/PPAUK)

Another season comes to an end, and it’s been a rollercoaster for Bristol Rovers. Relegation to the National League was a real possibility in mid-December, with club legend Darrell Clarke sacked following a run of ten consecutive league defeats.

Steve Evans was the man to replace Clarke, and nine signings quickly arrived in January, helping the Gas move away from the drop zone. The turnaround has been remarkable under the Scotsman, with 45 points from 26 league games, including eight consecutive league wins for the first time since 1953.

The campaign ended with Rovers finishing 14th and Evans signing a contract until 2028. Before attention turns to the 2026/27 campaign, let’s take a look at every first-team player’s performance.

To be included in these ratings, players must have:

Played a minimum of 10 games in all competitions for Bristol Rovers

It is also worth noting that the grading system will range from 1 to 10.

With that said, here are our Rovers player ratings for the 2025/26 season…

Brad Young was the first goalkeeper signed in the summer, but following the arrival of Luke Southwood in early July, it looked like the 23-year-old would be the number two. Minutes were hard to come by for Young, especially in League Two, and up until the trip to Salford City on January 24, he had only started three League Two matches.

Evans put him in for Southwood at Salford, though, and since then, he has not let go of the shirt. He’s been a key reason for Rovers’ upturn in form, with standout performances against the likes of Chesterfield, Swindon Town, and Fleetwood Town, including a penalty save against the latter.

Luke Southwood – 6

A strange season for Southwood, who has had some impressive moments. He saved three penalties in League Two, including Luke Garbutt’s last-minute spot-kick for Salford, which saw the Gas hold on for a 2-1 win at The Mem. The 28-year-old also saved two penalties in the shootout victory against Cambridge United in the second round of the Vertu Trophy.

Despite this, Southwood was replaced by Young in mid-January and has not played since, leaving questions about his future in BS7.

Luke Southwood of Bristol Rovers arrives before the Sky Bet League 2 Match between Bristol Rovers and Colchester United at Memorial Stadium on 17 January 2026. Photo: Geraint Nicholas/PPAUK(Image: Geraint Nicholas/PPAUK)

Defenders:Joel Senior – 7

With Macauley Southam-Hales’ injury struggles since the end of November, Joel Senior has become a regular for Rovers. He’s played 35 times in all competitions, operating as either a right-back or right wing-back.

He often looks far more comfortable as a wing-back, given his attacking strengths, which were on display in the 2-0 win at Barrow, which saw him register the assist for the second.

Macauley Southam-Hales – 5

An injury-hit campaign for Southam-Hales, who arrived as a free agent in the summer. He made only 15 appearances for Rovers in League Two, with his standout moment a wonderstrike winner at Grimsby Town on August 30.

The injury in the first-half against Notts County on November 29 derailed his season, though, and he only made a return to the squad on the final day of the campaign.

Alfie Kilgour – 7.5

It’s not been a straightforward season for the captain, Alfie Kilgour, who rejoined the Gas in the summer. He missed five out of the 10 consecutive defeats under Clarke with injury before returning for the head coach’s last game against Swindon on December 13.

After a below-par first half of the campaign for Kilgour’s standards, the 27-year-old has improved considerably since the arrival of Evans, and in particular, the two centre-backs Kofi Balmer and Riley Harbottle, who have brought the best out of him when Rovers have played a back three.

Goal celebrations for Alfie Kilgour of Bristol Rovers during the Sky Bet League 2 match between Gillingham and Bristol Rovers at Priestfield Stadium, Gillingham on 21 March 2026 (Photo: Rachel Le Poidevin/PPAUK)

It was a great moment for Kilgour to score the equaliser against Gillingham in front of the Gasheads behind the goal, and he will be keen to continue his improvement under Evans going into next season.

Riley Harbottle – 7.5

Signing Harbottle in January was a huge coup for Rovers, given that the centre-back had won promotion to League One with AFC Wimbledon in the previous season. He has looked so comfortable in both a back three and a back four. When Evans plays a back three, he operates on the left-hand side and has impressed supporters with his calmness in possession and ability to defend the channels effectively.

The Gas have Harbottle until the summer of 2028, which looks to be an astute piece of business based on the evidence so far.

Kofi Balmer – 8

Balmer’s long throws are a potent weapon, which have started to cause opposition teams significant problems in the final months of the season. Two examples that come to mind are Harbottle’s opener against Accrington Stanley, which came directly from a long throw, and the penalty given for a foul on Fabrizio Cavegn against Harrogate Town after Balmer’s delivery wasn’t dealt with properly.

The 25-year-old arrived on loan from Motherwell in January and has given Rovers a much-needed bite defensively, while bringing the ball out effortlessly in possession, like Harbottle on the other side of the defence.

Kofi Balmer of Bristol Rovers passes the ball during the Sky Bet League 2 match between Harrogate Town and Bristol Rovers at The Exercise Stadium, Harrogate on 6 April 2026 (Photo: Rachel Le Poidevin/PPAUK)

Tom Lockyer – 5.5

It was always going to take time for Tom Lockyer to get back to full match fitness after not playing first-team football for nearly two years. In his first eight appearances during his return to the Gas, Lockyer lost every one. His first win came on New Year’s Day at Shrewsbury Town when he started as a central midfielder, instead of a centre-back.

The 31-year-old has not been a regular under Evans, making 16 appearances in all competitions.

Taylor Moore – 5

Taylor Moore has struggled for regular minutes under both Clarke and Evans. He did start the first three league games under Evans, but since the 2-0 defeat at Oldham Athletic on February 17, the centre-back has been in only one matchday squad.

Kacper Lopata – 5

All five loanees signed by Clarke were recalled in January, including Kacper Lopata. The centre-back looked solid earlier in the season and was a key part of the eight-match unbeaten run. Injuries meant he missed a few games in November due to injury, though, and was sent off for a reckless challenge in the first-half of the 3-0 defeat against Swindon.

Despite some positive early-season performances, he was sent back to Barnsley in January.

Stephan Negru – 4

Stephan Negru had to wait until October 25 to play his first game for Rovers and started four games in a row in November. He only made 10 appearances for the Gas in all competitions, including the 1-0 defeat at Port Vale on December 6, which saw him taken off after a defensive mix-up led to the winner. Negru didn’t play a minute under Evans and was sent back to Oxford United.

Jack Sparkes – 7

With 48 appearances, only Cavegn featured more than Jack Sparkes for Rovers in the 2025/26 season. It’s been a topsy-turvy campaign for the left-back, with a red card at Crawley Town and picking up a 10th yellow card of the campaign at Cambridge United, which resulted in a two-match suspension, his worst moments.

There have been plenty of impressive displays from Sparkes, including the win at Barrow and the Boxing Day defeat against Bromley. With two goals and three assists, the left-back may be hoping for a better attacking return next season. Still, he’s improved defensively under Evans, and his set-piece delivery is always on the money, with assists from corners in recent home games against Fleetwood and Cheltenham Town.

Jack Sparkes of Bristol Rovers after the Sky Bet League 2 match between Bristol Rovers and Accrington Stanley at Memorial Stadium, Bristol on 28 March 2026 (Photo: Rachel Le Poidevin/PPAUK)

Bryant Bilongo – 4.5

Bryant Bilongo starting up front against Plymouth Argyle in the Vertu Trophy seems a long time ago, doesn’t it? The 24-year-old featured nine times in League Two and had some bright moments in the cup competitions. He was probably Rovers’ best player in the 1-0 defeat against Port Vale in the FA Cup, but quickly became surplus to requirements under Evans and departed to join Rochdale in January.

Midfielders:Clinton Mola – 8

The fact that Clinton Mola is listed as a midfielder highlights just how much his role at Rovers has shifted. Under Clarke, Mola often operated as the left centre-back, but Evans moved the 25-year-old to central midfield against MK Dons – a position which he has thrived in since.

He is a contender for player of the season, given his consistent performances and mid-season role change. Pre-Notts County, Mola said that Evans has “turned his career around” in BS7, and who would question that analysis? He is so well-suited to the middle of the park, giving his technical ability and relentless energy to win the ball back.

Mola has gone from a squad player to one of the most important members under Evans, with the shift to midfield being the biggest reason.

Josh McEachran – 6

Josh McEachran has featured 23 times for Rovers in all competitions. While he is technically one of the best in the squad, his ability to stay fit has caused him problems this season. After the 2-0 defeat against Barnet on December 29, he had until the trip to Harrogate Town on April 6 for his next appearance. While he shows signs of promise when fit, time will tell whether he is part of Evans’ plans going into next season.

Richie Smallwood – 8.5

What a signing. Tranmere supporters didn’t seem too disappointed to see the experienced midfielder join the Gas on loan, but he has proved to be a crucial addition for Evans. He has become an anchor in the middle of the pitch for Rovers, winning the ball back consistently, barking orders to his teammates, and controlling the tempo.

Smallwood has also helped bring out the best in Mola, and they have formed an impressive partnership. I’m really struggling to find many faults with the 35-year-old’s performances since he joined on Deadline Day.

Goal celebrations for Richie Smallwood of Bristol Rovers during the Sky Bet League 2 match between Gillingham and Bristol Rovers at Priestfield Stadium, Gillingham on 21 March 2026 (Photo: Rachel Le Poidevin/PPAUK)

Tommy Leigh – 8

Another Deadline Day signing. Another successful loan signing. Tommy Leigh gives Rovers a bit of everything. He can play deeper, as a number eight, or as a number 10.

Leigh also scores goals and has grabbed some important ones, including his match-winning brace against Crewe Alexandra. The Gas will be doing their best to sign the Bradford City loanee permanently, as he looks too good for this level.

Ryan De Havilland – 6.5

The first signing under Evans was Ryan De Havilland, and he has proven to be a solid addition to the midfield. He arrived at the club with limited minutes at Peterborough United, and, as a result, Rovers have had to build up his match fitness.

When he has played, De Havilland has looked a steady operator, with a pinpoint set-piece delivery. He will be a key part of next season’s squad.

Kane Thompson-Sommers – 5.5

While Kane Thompson-Sommers hasn’t had a huge impact since joining on loan from MK Dons in January, he scored one of the goals of the season for Rovers. His opener against Swindon Town was an absolute beauty, and what a game to produce such a big moment.

He’s played 14 times for the Gas, and despite some lively performances, it is unlikely that he will be signed permanently for next season.

Kamil Conteh – 5

Kamil Conteh is a very good player, and Rovers fans know that better than anyone, given his performances when he first joined the club. Following last season’s relegation and the poor start to the current campaign, he was caught in a downward spiral, and a fresh start was needed in January, with the midfielder joining Lincoln City on loan on Deadline Day.

He did score twice for the Gas this season, though, with a thunderous effort against Accrington Stanley in the league and a last-minute winner against Plymouth Argyle in the Vertu Trophy.

Conteh has yet to feature for Lincoln and might be on the lookout for a permanent move away from BS7 in the summer.

(Image: Bristol Post)

Isaac Hutchinson – 5

It feels strange to give a player who scored 20 goals in all competitions a ranking of five, but only two of those strikes came for Rovers. It’s become clear that Hutchinson and Rovers would both benefit from the midfielder permanently moving away this summer.

He is a very talented player, but he hasn’t been able to find a home in BS7. The 26-year-old has thrived at Cheltenham and will hope to play for a League One club next season.

Alfie Chang – 5

One of the five loanees sent back in January. He looked bright in spells under Clarke, including during the 3-2 win at Newport County. As the team went on a historic losing run, he struggled with confidence, though Evans quickly decided in January that new midfield options were needed.

Joel Cotterill – 5.5

Of the five loanees sent back in January, Joel Cotterill was the best performer. Some were surprised that he returned to his parent club mid-season, as he put in some lively displays, even during the club’s worst run of consecutive league defeats. His best moment came when he scored at Bromley in the 2-1 win in the FA Cup.

Ryan Howley – 6

Now, this is a hard one to rank, as I don’t think we’ve seen enough of Ryan Howley to judge him fully. He was a regular in the Vertu Trophy lineups and played a part in the first few weeks of the season under Clarke, which included some solid cameos.

Howley was sent on loan to Tamworth in the National League and will have benefitted from further exposure to first-team football. He is somebody Rovers fans will want to have a look at in pre-season.

Attackers (wingers and strikers):Yusuf Akhamrich – 8

Yusuf Akhamrich is so talented, and we could be watching him play at the highest level of English football in the years to come. It was evident that he was a special player pretty early on, with his brace against Newport County a standout performance. He has scored six and registered two assists in 19 appearances for the Gas, with decisive strikes against Crawley Town and Tranmere Rovers.

He can play as a right-winger, a right-wing back, or as a number 10. Whether he will return to Rovers on loan next season remains to be seen, but the 20-year-old looks destined for a big future.

(Image: James Holyoak/PA Wire)

Luke Thomas – 6

In his final season for Rovers, Luke Thomas had some positive performances, including a brace at Newport in September. When he played on the left-wing, he formed a good relationship with Sparkes, but quickly became surplus to requirements under Evans.

Under the 63-year-old, Thomas found his minutes hard to come by, especially in the final couple of months of the season, and he will look for a new challenge this summer.

Shaq Forde – 8

Similar to Mola, Shaq Forde was below-par in the first-half of the season and it wouldn’t have been a surprise to see him depart the club in January. Evans put his faith in the young playmaker, though, and he has ended the season with five goals and four assists – thriving in the number 10 role.

His two red cards against Bromley can’t be forgotten, with the first one giving the visitors a boost as they came back from 2-0 down to win the game. Despite these dismissals, Forde has looked confident under Evans and will be a key player for the Gas next season.

Promise Omochere – 6

Another season where injury issues have caused problems for Promise Omochere. Earlier in the season, he played 90 minutes in five consecutive games for the first time in his career. Injury setbacks at Colchester United and Crawley Town kept him out for large spells in the middle of the campaign, though, with the striker only featuring three times between October and March.

He returned in the final few weeks of the season, scoring a brilliant individual goal against Tranmere Rovers, and Evans has consistently backed the 25-year-old, saying he will be an important player for him in the 2026/27 campaign.

(Image: Rachel Le Poidevin/PPAUK)

Ollie Dewsbury – 6

It was hard to judge Ollie Dewsbury’s performances earlier in the season, given how badly things were going for Rovers and Clarke. He needed to go out on loan to boost his confidence and gain some experience, which has exactly happened at Weston-super-Mare. A bright talent who will only get better in the next few years.

Ruel Sotiriou – 4

Ruel Sotiriou played 14 league games in the first half of the season without registering a goal or an assist. His departure in January was inevitable after his move to Rovers did not work out.

Fabrizio Cavegn – 9

It’s easy to forget that this was Cavegn’s first season in English football, and to finish as the top scorer with 15 in all competitions is an impressive achievement. He has scored important goals for both Clarke and Evans, with a hat-trick against Shrewsbury Town on New Year’s Day.

There wasn’t much competition behind him earlier in the campaign, which meant his rest was limited. Still, the January arrivals and Ellis Harrison’s improved fitness in 2026 have allowed him to come off the bench.

While he’s not been a regular under Evans in the last few weeks of the season, Cavegn is arguably the signing of the season, as he was a wildcard arrival from FC Vaduz, with no prior experience of playing in League Two.

Fabrizio Cavegn of Bristol Rovers applauds the fans after the Sky Bet League 2 match between Bristol Rovers and Cheltenham Town at Memorial Stadium, Bristol on 25 April 2026 (Photo: Rachel Le Poidevin/PPAUK)

Mees Rijks – 6.5

Like Cavegn, not many Rovers fans knew much about Mees Rijks when he arrived from Vålerenga in January. He arrived in BS7 having not played a professional game since October, and understandably, it has taken him time to adjust to English football and build up his match fitness.

His goal against Crawley was much-needed, and in his 13 appearances, he has shown signs that he could be a useful option for Evans’ side next season.

Ellis Harrison – 8.5

If you’re a regular reader of my articles, you’ll know how big a fan of Harrison I am. Even when Rovers were struggling under Clarke, he provided them with something different – a physical outlet with an eye for goal. His only issue in the first half of the season was staying fit, which he has managed to do so in the New Year, featuring in every matchday squad in 2026.

He’s now taken his goal tally to 14 in all competitions this season, including a sublime hat-trick against Cheltenham in Rovers’ final home game. He is fully deserving of a one-year deal, which he looks close to agreeing to with the club.

(Image: Rachel Le Poidevin/PPAUK)

Joe Quigley – 7.5

Like Smallwood, Joe Quigley arrived with not much expectation. Oldham Athletic fans were not overly enthusiastic about the 29-year-old striker, but it quickly became clear that Rovers was the place for him.

He has been such a consistent figure up top for the Gas, scoring three goals and registering two assists. His hold-up play and ability to get Rovers up the pitch have proved so crucial, giving Evans’ side something that sorely lacked under Clarke. A clever signing who has given the team a different option.

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2025/26 Bristol Rovers player ratings – Squad ranked after rollercoaster campaign

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