ROVERS MAY SIGN ‘KEEPER BELSHAW
IT is no secret Bristol Rovers need to sign a goalkeeper this summer, and Joey Barton may have found his man in Harrogate Town hero James Belshaw.
The 30-year-old has spent two weeks on trial with the Gas after he was given permission to pursue a move away by Town boss Simon Weaver.
Belshaw is under contract at The EnviroVent Stadium for another two years, but with Mark Oxley joining Harrogate from Southend United this summer his playing chances are in doubt. In four years with Harrogate, Belshaw has made 184 appearances, winning promotions from the National League North and the National League.
“Belly has had his agent talking to a few clubs and he’s going to be with another side for a week so they can have a closer look at him with a view to a move there,” Weaver told the Harrogate Advertiser on July 8.
The ‘keeper has been at The Quarters since, and Gas boss Barton was impressed with his performance in the 1-1 draw against Plymouth Argyle on Saturday.
“I thought he did well,” Barton told the Bristol Post. “We’ve obviously got a position to fill with losing about eight goalkeepers last year.
“We’ve only got Anssi (Jaakkola) and Jed (Ward) registered in the senior group, so we do need to fill that space.
“He did well today and I’ve got to give a decision to him.
“But I thought he was really good. He furthered his case after being really good in the last couple of weeks around the training ground.
“Might have a bit of positive news for him there, but it will come down to price point.”
In Jaakkola, Rovers have a topclass number one, while 18-yearold Ward is a prospect Rovers are eager to develop.
Barton is in need of a secondchoice option to cover for possible injuries and Jaakkola’s trips on international duty, and Belshaw appears an ideal fit from a Rovers perspective.
He has a wealth of experience under his belt and, aged 30, he ought to be coming into his prime years as a goalkeeper and a dependable back-up for Jaakkola.