![\"Arsenal](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/1_3101240sousa.jpg\")
Arsenal under-21s left-back Lino Sousa is closed down by Ryan De Havilland of Peterborough United during the EFL Trophy match at the Weston Homes Stadium on December 5, 2023 – Photo by Alan Walter – Arsenal FC\/Arsenal FC via Getty Images<\/p>\nRyan De Havilland’s becomes the first signing for Bristol Rovers in the January transfer window<\/p>\n
15:00, 03 Jan 2026Updated 18:22, 03 Jan 2026<\/p>\n
Arsenal under-21s left-back Lino Sousa is closed down by Ryan De Havilland of Peterborough United during the EFL Trophy match at the Weston Homes Stadium on December 5, 2023 – Photo by Alan Walter – Arsenal FC\/Arsenal FC via Getty Images<\/p>\n
Bristol Rovers\u2019<\/a> new signing Ryan De Havilland has said that “it feels really good to be here,” after signing a two-and-a-half year contract for the club on January 3.<\/p>\n The Peterborough United midfielder becomes the first player to sign for Steve Evans’ side in this window, after only making two appearances in all competitions for the Posh so far this season.<\/p>\n Speaking to Rovers club media after signing for the club, De Havilland said: “It feels really good to be here. It’s been very quick, but I’m very happy to be here and get going. Speaking to the gaffer about the aspirations of the Club, it just felt like the right thing for me right now.<\/p>\n “It’s a very busy period, but I’m very happy to get it done so quickly, as it’s early in January, so I can just hit the ground running. Bristol Rovers<\/a> is a massive Club, and it shouldn’t be where it is in League Two, and I’ll try my best to give my all to get it where it should be.”<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n All the latest news, views, interviews, gossip and analysis concerning the Gas, delivered straight to your inbox.<\/p>\n It’s completely free and you can sign up HERE<\/a><\/p>\n Speaking about the arrival of De Havilland, Evans said: “I am delighted to welcome Ryan to Bristol Rovers. Ryan will bring energy, tenacity and a good footballing brain to our midfield.<\/p>\n “More importantly, I know Ryan is hungry to succeed and get his talents on display again as part of our team. It’s nice to get him in so early in the transfer window, and my thanks go to Ricky Martin. The boy showed a real desire to be here, and I’m looking forward to working with him.\u201d<\/p>\n Ricky Martin also provided his thoughts on Rovers’ first signing of the window. “We are pleased to welcome Ryan to the Club,” he said. “After Steve’s appointment as Head Coach, it was important to quickly identify our key targets in the transfer window. I’d like to express my thanks to all involved in our recruitment process for moving swiftly to bring Ryan in.”<\/p>\n “At 24, Ryan is still young but already has a good level of experience in the EFL, having played 50 times in League One during his time with Peterborough. He is creative and versatile, and we are happy he has chosen to join us as we seek to push up the League Two table.”<\/p>\n The 24-year-old spent time as an academy player at Fulham before going on loan at Metropolitan Police while at the Cottagers. He then made the switch to Barnet in October 2021.<\/p>\n At Barnet, De Havilland had loan spells at non-league clubs Hayes & Yeading United and Beaconsfield Town, while also making over 64 appearances for the Bees between 2021 and 2023.<\/p>\n In the summer of 2023, the midfielder joined Posh for an undisclosed fee and since then, he has made 70 appearances in all competitions for the League One side, scoring five and registering one assist.<\/p>\n He also has one appearance for England C, scoring on his debut against Wales.<\/p>\n Join Bristol Rovers Live’s Whatsapp community for all the biggest Bristol Rovers stories sent straight to your phone<\/strong><\/p>\n Bristol Rovers Live<\/a> is now on WhatsApp and we want you to join our community.<\/p>\n Through the app, we\u2019ll send the Bristol Rovers news, live match coverage, team news, transfers, fixtures, analysis and more straight to your phone.<\/p>\n To join our community you need to already have WhatsApp. All you need to do is click this link and select \u2018Join Community\u2019.<\/a><\/p>\n No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Bristol Live<\/a> team.<\/p>\n We also treat community members to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. If you don\u2019t like our community, you can check out at any time you like.<\/p>\n To leave our community, click on the name at the top of your screen and choose \u2018Exit group\u2019.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.<\/a><\/p>\n Click here to join our WhatsApp community.<\/a><\/p>\n The midfielder is Evans\u2019 first signing as the Rovers head coach, joining for an undisclosed fee, with the 63-year-old picking up four points from four games in League Two<\/a>. Since the start of his tenure, Evans stressed that he and Martin will be busy in January to secure new additions to the squad.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1766557279_219_0_Crewe-Alexandra-v-Bristol-Rovers-Sky-Bet-League-Two-Football-Mornflake-Stadium-Crewe-UK-19-De.jpg\")
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Ben Wyatt of Torquay United seems to be clearly fouled by Ryan De Havilland of Barnet during the National League match between Torquay United and Barnet at Plainmoor Torquay, Devon on Saturday 18th February 2023 – PHOTO: Dave Crawford\/PPAUK<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/1744476931_129_0_WhatsApp-Phone.jpg\")
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