Midfielder Smallwood pens permanent Bristol Rovers deal
Richie Smallwood joined Bristol Rovers on loan from Tranmere in January
- Published
Bristol Rovers have signed Richie Smallwood from Tranmere Rovers on a permanent one-year deal.
The midfielder had been on loan at the Memorial Stadium since January, appearing 14 times for the Pirates in League Two.
"I'm absolutely delighted to sign permanently," Smallwood told the club website, external.
"The second half of last season went really well for me personally and, more importantly, for the team too.
"We went on an unbelievable run and everyone is really happy with what we achieved, and now I'm looking forward to getting back and continuing that momentum.
"The aim now is to get that run going again. That sort of run is what you strive for in football, and that breeds confidence that you can go into every game and win and put in a good performance.
"That's what the feeling was like in the squad at the end of last season and, with a summer of strengthening, we can only get better."
Manager Steve Evans added: "Gasheads need no introduction to Richie on the back of what was a very impressive loan with us.
"His experience and quality were clear for Rovers in the last few months, and I'm delighted he's signed to be with us permanently next season.
"Richie is a top professional, a leader, an inspirational figure in our dressing room, and he's a winner.
"He's achieved several promotions through his career, amassed over 250 appearances in the Championship, and knows what it takes to win big matches. I know our supporters have really taken to Richie and I'm glad to have him in the team for next season."
Smallwood, 35, began his career at Middlesborough before moving to Rotherham, where he scored the winning penalty in a play-off final shootout against Leyton Orient in 2014 to secure promotion to the Championship.
A loan spell at Scunthorpe followed before he helped Blackburn secure a return to the second tier in 2017-18.
He then achieved the same feat with Hull in 2020-21, before moving on to Bradford City and then Tranmere.
In total he has made 521 appearances in the EFL.
