GUNNING FOR GOALS NEW SIGNINGS
HARVEY SAUNDERS AND AARON COLLINS AIM TO GET ROVERS FIRING AFTER SIGNING FOR LEAGUE TWO CLUB
BRISTOL Rovers have won the race to sign Aaron Collins on a free transfer from Forest Green Rovers, with a number of clubs in League One and League Two keen on the frontman.
On Friday, Collins signed a twoyear contract at Rovers, with the club, earlier in the day, having confirmed the signing of Harvey Saunders on a similar deal following his release at Fleetwood Town.
The Bristol Post understands League One Cheltenham Town were among the clubs who made an offer to Collins, but the Welshman has opted for a move to the Gas.
Barton is certainly delighted to get his man with Collins bringing much more than goalscoring to a frontline which was the worst in League One last season, as Rovers finished rock bottom.
“We are thrilled to secure Aaron’s signature as we know there were plenty of suitors,” said Barton. “He’s shown that he’s capable of scoring and creating goals at this level and was a constant attacking threat for Forest Green last season.
“He can play in several positions across the forward line and that flexibility will give us different options in how we set up next season.
“Aaron is an ambitious lad, who wants to be part of a squad that gets promoted out of Sky Bet League Two.
“That is our collective goal, and I’m hopeful we achieve that together this forthcoming season.”
Collins, who started his career at Newport County, scored 16 goals in 83 games for Forest Green but also impressed with his creativity and invention around the penalty area.
Barton’s striking options are certainly looking more healthy than at the start of the week, with Collins and Saunders having joined Brandon Hanlan and Jonah Ayunga in that department.
Collins became Rovers’ seventh summer signing as Barton continues to build for next season with the Gas still in the market for full-backs, a central midfielder and a targetman.