Further Departures

There has been further movement at the club today but still no news on any incomings.

Midfielder Craig Stanley who had his contract terminated by mutual consent yesterday has joined Aldershot Town on a two year deal to link up with Dean Holdsworth. The Shots recorded a league double over us last season and finished strongly so this could prove to be a decent move for the 29 year old.

Also exiting the club is goalkeeping coach Carl Emberson who is taking up a coaching role with Paul Buckle's Luton Town. He was on the training ground with the Hatters yesterday and has left a void that McGhee may look to fill quickly so they can be brought in to work with Scott Bevan and young Conor Gough. It'll be a priority as pre-season begins on Thursday but in somewhat unfamiliar surroundings...

Who will Mark bring in to Rovers?

The club have today announced their departure from the South Bristol sports complex which they have been using for the past 2 and a half years and are moving to Friend's Life sporting facilities in Cribbs Causeway. Nick Higgs has said the opportunity to 'upgrade' our training ground and move closer to our current home at the Mem was an opportunity too good to turn down. The new venue has several full-length grass pitches, a 3G area, tennis courts and a top clubhouse which houses a number of changing rooms. The players will report to their new home in 48 hours time to begin their preparations for the 2012-13 season.

Will any signings be in place for then though? McGhee has said he hopes some players will have joined by then but thus far no additions have been made. I'm not concerned just yet but will admit to feeling slightly frustrated that other clubs seem to be making some decent signings whilst we so far have not. Still there is time between now and Thursday for movement to take place so it will be interesting to see what develops.

EDIT: Sky Sports are reporting that former loanee Oliver Norburn is set to join us on a one-year deal with the option of a further 12 months. Tomorrow may tell us more.