Ben Garner reveals why he's handed Bristol Rovers defender once linked with West Ham a new contract

With a number of influential first-team players out of contract at the end of June, it's perhaps slightly surprising to see Michael Kelly confirmed as the first man to be retained by Bristol Rovers for 2020/21.

The 22-year-old has signed a one-year contract extension, keeping at the Mem until next summer, despite making just four starts this season, two under Ben Garner.

Kelly arrived at Rovers in 2017 and such was his potential, 18 months ago there were transfer rumours linking him with Crystal Palace, West Ham and Charlton.

And while the Scot has looked steady and relatively solid for the Gas, he's yet to be able to hold down a regular first-team place with Luke Leahy and Tareiq Holmes-Dennis ahead of him in the pecking order this season.

It is however highlights that Garner not only intends to bring fresh blood to Rovers but is also willing to work with existing resources and try to improve them.

"I'm delighted that Michael has agreed to extend his contract at the club," Garner said.

"Michael is a young player who has shown a fantastic attitude to forge his way back into the game after a setback early on in his career and he has impressed me in my time at the club with his work ethic, desire and application.

"He's had to often show patience at times in terms of game time, but that hasn't dampened his level of focus and intensity in training.

"Michael is still young and this new contract provides him with the opportunity to develop further and to establish himself as a player at this level."

The left-back area is an intriguing one for Rovers as Holmes-Dennis and Leahy are secured for next season but the club were also interested in out-of-contract Portsmouth full-back Brandon Haunstrup.

Presumably that interest will end, now Kelly is committed, unless Garner is considering moving on one of Leahy or Holmes-Dennis, with the latter still suffering some after-effects of the knee injury sustained last year.

Rovers are understood to have submitted their retained list for next season but are waiting on decisions surrounding the future of the current season before announcing its contents.

Midfielders Ollie Clarke, Liam Sercombe plus defenders Tony Craig and Rollin Menayese, as it stands, will become free agents on June 30 unless they are offered new terms.

The EFL confirmed on Friday that a vote over how to decide the League One campaign - either by playing on or points per game - will be made on Monday, June 8.