Bristol Rovers fail to complete the signing of Jonson Clarke-Harris on deadline as the deal falls through.
Bristol Rovers had previously agreed a club-record fee with Peterborough to re-sign the striker
Bristol Rovers were failed to secure a club-record agreement to re-sign striker Jonson Clarke-Harris after the requisite paperwork was not filed with the EFL before the 11pm deadline last night, according to Bristol Live.
The Gas had agreed a club-record transfer fee with Peterborough United in the region of £800,000 plus add-ons, but there was concern that a transaction would not have been completed in time with the clock ticking.
Unlike in the Premier League, EFL clubs cannot submit deal sheets for transactions that appear to be going on over the 11pm deadline, which means that any documentation filed after that time is declared worthless.
The Posh striker had taken a taxi from a hotel in Portsmouth where Peterborough were staying ahead of their game against Pompey on Saturday afternoon, but there wasn’t enough time to complete the transaction.
Rovers have also sold striker Ryan Loft to rival League One club Port Vale for an undisclosed fee, with the agreement based on the premise that Clarke-Harris will be a Gas player by the conclusion of the window.
The collapse comes after what had previously been widely regarded as an outstanding transfer window, with Joey Barton’s club receiving 12 new additions. However, it was perceived that bringing in a striker was the final piece of the jigsaw.
‘Dangerous’ – Joey Barton delivers verdict on Bristol Rovers v Cheltenham Town
Bristol Rovers off to winning ways in EFL Trophy group stage v fellow League One outfit Cheltenham Town.
Joey Barton believes Bristol Rovers looked ‘dangerous’ and were ‘superb’ in their 4-1 victory against Cheltenham Town.
James Gibbons, Antony Evans and Aaron Collins found themselves on the scoresheet for the hosts, as well as second-half own goal by Robert Street.
A Gibbons own goal early in the second half was the only downer in what otherwise was a dominate display from the Gas, which saw them top their group, with Newport County and West Ham’s academy still yet to play.
After the final whistle, Rovers manager was full of praise for his team’s effort.
“Tonight was another step forward in terms of the work that the lads have put in on the training ground in terms of certain movement patterns and running patterns.”
“We’re a work in progress; we weren’t quite at the level we wanted to be after the Cambridge game, but there were a lot of positives despite the result.” We did the same against Wycombe, however we lost both games.
This is Rovers’ second home victory since New Year’s Day, when they also defeated tonight’s opponents.
With the Gas favourites to win their group, it will be a wonderful opportunity for Barton to bring in some younger talent, as he did this evening with brilliant performances from loanee duo Harvey Vale and Lamare Bogarde.
With three first-half goals, the game appeared to be gone by halftime, but Barton was impressed by his team’s will to keep playing.
“It’s always tough when you are 3-0 up and the team is still sitting in.
“I can understand it from Cheltenham’s perspective, they know if they come out and press us , we are a dangerous opponent so I get the fact that they’ve got to play their strategy and tactics.
“I thought we were excellent and the only blip is the fact that we conceded a goal, apart from that I thought the lads absolutely superb.”
Saturday’s League One clash against Reading has been postponed due to international call-ups, meaning Barton has an extra week on the training ground with his players, before they go again next weekend away at Shrewsbury Town.
