Garner: Baldwin has a point to prove after signing two-year deal

Jack Baldwin has joined BristolRoversafterhisreleasefrom Sunderland–andhisnewmanager believes he has a ‘point to prove’ after a disappointing spell at the Stadium of Light.

Baldwin joined the Black Catsin2018,withtheclubparting with a six-figure fee to sign thecentrebackfromPeterborough United.

And while he was a regular in the Sunderland side during his first year in the North East, he fell out of favour under Jack RossandwasloanedouttoSalfordCityatthebeginningofthe 2019/20 season.

It came as little surprise when his contract was not renewed following the curtailment of the third tier campaign,butBaldwinhasn’tbeen made to wait long to team-up with a new side having penned an initial two-year deal with Bristol Rovers – with the option of a third year.

And the 27-year-old admits he is ‘thrilled’ to have found himself a new club during the current climate. "I'm delighted to be here,” he said. "Speaking with Ben [Garner, manager] early on this summer, I'm thrilled that we have managed to get everything sorted so early on, with the currentclimate.There'salotof positivity around Bristol Rovers,sothatmakesitagreattime to be joining and I'm excited to get started."

Manager Garner added: “Jackhasverygoodexperience in League 1 but also retains the ambitiontoplayatahigherlevel. He is a committed and intelligentdefenderwhoisalsovery good in possession.

"I think Jack joins us with a pointtoproveandarealhunger to do well in this next phase of his career.”

*Charlton Athletic’s hopes of striking a permanent deal for Sunderland winger Aiden McGeady have been dealt a blow after manager Lee Bowyer confirmed the Addicks were under a transfer embargo. The wideman penned a half-season loan deal at the Valley in January having been exiled from the Black Cats’ first-team squad by Phil Parkinson – with his temporary deal subsequently extended following the resumption of the Championship season.

And while it was widely expected Charlton would hold discussions over a permanent deal for the 34-year-old, they have been forced to shelve plans to hold talks with senior players after being placed under a transfer embargo. The move comes after weeks of uncertainty over the club’s ownership, with Paul Elliott – who struck a deal to purchase the Addicks last month – still awaiting EFL approval.