CLARKE IS REALISTIC OVER HIS PIRATES...

BRISTOL Rovers manager Darrell Clarke says he won’t stand in any of his players’ way should they want to leave for a higher division this summer.

Rovers have been on the fringes of the League One play-offs for most of this season and Championship clubs will inevitably be eyeing up some of their star performers.

Clarke could force his contracted players to stay but intimated that, once they’ve had their heads turned by a bigger club, they won’t have the commitment required to play for him.

He also admitted the financial reality means the Pirates won’t be able to turn down any huge transfer offers.

“Everybody is for sale unless you’re a Manchester United, Chelsea or Arsenal,” said Clarke. “Is there anybody who can turn down those sort of big money moves?

“It’s the player’s mindset, too. If a player ever comes and knocks on my door and says he wants to leave, I will get the best price I can and get him out of the club.”