Joey Barton believes new striker Harvey Saunders will bring pace and athleticism to the Gas attack after signing the 23-year-old on a free transfer.
Saunders, who has signed a two-year contract, becomes Rovers' sixth signing of the summer but their first in the final third with goalscoring ultimately the underlying issue for the Gas last season as they were relegated from League One.
The 23-year-old has previously worked with Barton at Fleetwood Town, having progressed through the non-league pyramid and while his professional record isn't necessarily prolific, there are plenty of raw materials to work with.
"We are delighted to have Harvey on board," Barton said. "I've seen first-hand the determination and desire he has to succeed, having worked with him at Fleetwood.
"He's quick, athletic, knows where the goal is and importantly for us is a really good character and I'm sure he will be a great addition to our squad."
Saunders scored eight in 29 games last season, across all competitions, but had enjoyed an impressive start for the Cod Army, with all of his strikes coming in the first nine games. Of those games, only nine were starts and his minutes per goal in League One was an impressive 167. He then spent the end of 2020/21 on loan at National League Hartlepool.
Saunders joins Brandon Hanlan and Jonah Ayunga as Rovers' first-team forwards with the Gas also keen to bring in Aaron Collins from Forest Green. Bristol Live understands the club would like to add a central targetman for his new forwards to play off.
Rovers learned of their League Two schedule for 2021/22 on Thursday with an away trip to Mansfield Town first up for the blue and white quarters.
The first-team squad, including all six new signings, are due to report for the start of pre-season on Monday at The Quarters with Rovers' first pre-season game against Melksham Town on Friday, July 2.
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