Bristol Rovers boss Graham Coughlan has explained why he decided to offer Mark Little the chance to return to the city.
The 30-year-old defender having departed financially strained Bolton Wanderers upon the expiry of his contract.
This is the full-back's second spell in Bristol, having spent three years at Rovers' arch rivals Bristol City.
Coughlan expressed his content at landing Little in the belief that he could still be operating in the Championship. He suggested his versatility and experience were also significant factors in bringing him in.
Speaking to the club's official website, the Rovers boss said: "Mark is a player that should be playing at a higher level, he adds good quality and is a real all-rounder so we are delighted to bring him to the club.
"He's got two promotions on his CV, an abundance of experience in the leagues and he knows what it takes to get out of this division."
The deal will officially go through on July 1 and will be subject to EFL and FA approval, although the length of Little's contract has not been disclosed.
Little was a member of the Bristol City squad that won a league and cup double in 2015 by claiming the Johnstone's Paint Trophy and League One title.
The right-back - who can also operate in central defence - joined Bolton from the Robins in 2017, but having made 30 appearances in his first season he found his game time severely reduced in 2018/19, making just four appearances as he was overlooked by Trotters manager Phil Parkinson.
The Wolves youth product has had spells with Chesterfield and Northampton Town, and also experienced promotion to the Championship with Peterborough United where he had his most productive period.
