CLARKE’S BEEN CUTE WITH HIS CONFERENCE LOT

DEFENDER Tom Parkes has heaped praise on manager Darrell Clarke for gambling on a number of promising players from NonLeague that have gone on to excel for Bristol Rovers in the early weeks of the season.

Clarke brought in James Clarke from Woking this summer, and the defender has impressed along with Matty Taylor and Stuart Sinclair – signed during Rovers’ season in the Conference from Forest Green and Salisbury respectively – in the Gas’ impressive start to the new season.

Parkes, the former Leicester trainee, says the manager really did his homework when Rovers were relegated.

Parkes said:“The gaffer has done really well to spot those players who were going to be able to step up from the Conference to League football.

“They have been outstanding and it’s crazy that these quality players have never had the chance to play League football before.

“They have proved that they can cope with the demands of League football and they have been really strong for us. I’m buzzing for all of them because they deserve this chance.”