‘I was with the chairman before the game today discussing a couple. He gave me his blessing to explore them further.’
Callum Morton of Bristol Rovers during the Sky Bet League 2 Match between Bristol Rovers and Notts County at Memorial Stadium on 29 November 2025. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK(Image: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK)
Head coach Steve Evans discussed the possibility of Bristol Rovers signing free agents and the future of Callum Morton following last night’s 2-0 win against Walsall in League Two.
Yusuf Akhamrich and a wonderstrike from Kofi Balmer secured the three points for the Gas, as they moved seven points clear of the relegation zone.
It was the club’s second consecutive league victory, a day after the January transfer window closed, during which the Gas signed nine players, and ten departed.
Darrell Clarke signed Morton in November as a free agent, and Evans didn’t rule out the possibility of signing players without a contract over the remaining months of the campaign.
Speaking to Bristol Live, the head coach was asked whether it was a market he would consider. He said: “I was with the chairman before the game today discussing a couple. He gave me his blessing to explore them further. The wonderful thing at this football club as head coach, people say in the past, why was the recruitment not quite right? Well, it only lies at the door of the head coach or the manager, because they decide who comes in.
“You know, you’ve got Ricky Martin, who’s been stunning in this transfer window since the day I walked in. And Ricky, if I say to him, “I need a left wing-back; I need the characteristics of X, Y, Z,” he brings me different options. And then I’ll make my decision. And that’s how he’s worked here for a long time.”
OPINION
OPINION
Meanwhile, Joe Quigley signed for the Gas on Deadline Day to add to the club’s depth in the striker position, with Fabrizio Cavegn, Ellis Harrison, Promise Omochere, and Morton all known as centre-forwards.
Morton has featured six times for Rovers, with his only goal coming in Evans’ first game as head coach at Crewe Alexandra. He has not featured since, though. The striker was on the bench against MK Dons, but has been left out of the 18-man squad for the last two matches against Newport County and the Saddlers.
We also asked Evans whether the 26-year-old is still a Rovers player. “We’re still having a chat with Callum at the minute,” he said. “I think it’s maybe a touch too far for us, and maybe unlikely that we’re going to keep Callum.
Sign up for our Rovers newsletter
Bristol Rovers have Steve Evans now in charge as they look to battle push up the League Two table – and you won’t miss a beat with our free newsletter.
All the latest news, views, interviews, gossip and analysis concerning the Gas, delivered straight to your inbox.
It’s completely free and you can sign up HERE
“And that’s not to say no, if you just said to me, it’s never about money, it’s never about anything else. Would you keep Callum Morton in the building? Absolutely, because he would have a part to play, but I also look upon, we’ve got Ellis playing the way Ellis is playing, he’s playing as good as I’ve seen him.
“Matty Sadler just said to me then, ‘How good was Harrison?’ you know, and he’d already mentioned Shaq [Forde] during the game. Matty played for me, so there’s a good connection there.
“But now we feel we’re good at the top end of the pitch, and of course, we can put four up there, and we can put Yusuf up there. So, it’s probably unlikely we do something.”
(Image: Kara Thomas/PPAUK)
Next up for the Gas is a home game against Chesterfield, as they look to secure a third consecutive league win at The Mem since April 2022.
Bristol Rovers Live on Whatsapp
Join Bristol Rovers Live’s Whatsapp community for all the biggest Bristol Rovers stories sent straight to your phone
Bristol Rovers Live is now on WhatsApp and we want you to join our community.
Through the app, we’ll send the Bristol Rovers news, live match coverage, team news, transfers, fixtures, analysis and more straight to your phone.
To join our community you need to already have WhatsApp. All you need to do is click this link and select ‘Join Community’.
No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Bristol Live team.
We also treat community members to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out at any time you like.
To leave our community, click on the name at the top of your screen and choose ‘Exit group’.
If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Click here to join our WhatsApp community.