Ollie Dewsbury has signed his first professional deal at Bristol Rovers

Daniel Hargraves Bristol Rovers reporter

17:36, 18 Jul 2025

Bristol Rovers academy graduate Ollie Dewsbury made his league debut last season(Image: Will Cooper/PPAUK)

Ollie Dewsbury has called signing his first professional deal “a proud moment” after the 17-year-old striker put pen to paper on a new contract at Bristol Rovers.

The academy graduate has been with the club for over 10 years and has progressed through the academy and into the first team picture, making his senior debut in November 2023 before getting his first League One experience towards the back end of last season.

That was followed by his first league start on the final day of the campaign away at Blackpool, with Rovers already relegated.

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Speaking to club media, Dewsbury said: “It feels amazing to sign my first professional contract with Bristol Rovers. I’ve done a lot of hard work over the years and it’s such a proud moment for me. It just shows that if you put the work in, then the academy is a route through to the first team at Rovers.

“I’ve been here since I was in the pre-academy, over ten years now, and it definitely means a lot. Before stepping out on the pitch here, I was at the Mem in the Thatchers End cheering the team on, so it’s crazy that I’m now playing for the team and signing my first pro deal.

“The journey has had a lot of ups and downs. It’s been a hard one, but I’ve really, really enjoyed it. The staff have been amazing with me. Last year I had a different challenge with being out on loan, and then I came back to be in the first team has been a really good experience.

“Last season was definitely my biggest for Rovers so far and I’m looking to build on that now. I want to take what I’ve learned in the last year and bring it into this year. A lot of that experience is very important so I’m eager to keep it going.”

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Dewsbury became the second-youngest player to represent the Gas’ first team when coming on as a substitute in a 7-2 win over Whitby Town in the FA Cup two seasons ago.

After being partially involved in Rovers’ pre-season preparations last summer and making an appearance in the EFL Trophy, the teenage striker then joined Yate Town on loan, scoring six goals in 14 appearances, before then going out on loan again to Taunton Town where he netted once in five games.

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The 17-year-old was then given opportunities by Íñigo Calderón towards the end of last season with the Gas severely short of options up top. He made five appearances from the bench in League One before getting his start at Blackpool.

This summer, Dewsbury has been part of Rovers’ pre-season preparations, scoring against Stockport County last week in a 3-2 defeat.

Alongside the young striker at his signing ceremony were his family, as well as academy manager Byron Anthony and director of football Ricky Martin.

“It is a joy to see Ollie sign his first professional terms with the club,” Anthony declared.

“Ollie has been with us since he was seven and has worked immensely hard to get to this point. He possesses an elite mentality, is always striving to do more and be better, and his drive to improve his own standards has helped other players in our academy push themselves even further too.

“Seeing him break into the first team over the last few months has been a real pleasure for everyone in the academy and we look forward to continuing that journey with him in the 2025/26 season and beyond.”

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