Bristol Rovers swoop for Sawyer

Last updated : 30 June 2010 By BBC Sport

Rovers manager Paul Trollope told the club website: "Gary is a fantastic signing for the football club.

"We beat off a number of other clubs to secure his signature and it took a while, because of that interest and the quality of the player involved."

Bideford-born Sawyer progressed through the ranks at Plymouth, where he made 95 league appearances.

During his time at the Pilgrims, he also enjoyed loan spells at Weymouth and Exeter City.

Well done Trollope....I'm beginning to feel optimistic! If I remember rightly City fans were positive about Sawyer when he was on loan there.

pirate49

Trollope added: "He is someone we have been looking at for a good 18 months.

"He's a player who will add to our defensive strength as he's an excellent defender, good in one-on-one situations.

"In addition, he's a six-footer and brings a versatility to the squad, as he can also play as a left-sided central defender.

"He can pass the ball well and likes to get forward and we feel that his signing is a big coup for the club."

Sawyer is Rovers' fourth summer signing, following the arrival of Harry Pell (Charlton), Wayne Brown (Fulham) and Will Hoskins (Watford) to the Memorial Stadium.

Trollope told BBC Radio Bristol: "We're in discussions with other players and are still hoping to close one before the end of the week.

"Ideally we still want three more and we're confident of doing that though it might take a week or two more.

"We're trying to build and progress to a sustainable Championship football club. The recruitment so far this year will help us in that quest."

Source: BBC Sport

Source: BBC Sport