Familiarity breeds confidence for Joey Barton, as Jordan Rossiter becomes the fifth player the Bristol Rovers manager has brought down from former club Fleetwood Town.
Rossiter has signed a two-year contract in north Bristol to become the Gas’ first summer signing, just under a week before the squad return to The Quarters for the start of pre-season.
Following in the footsteps of Paul Coutts, Sam Finley, Harvey Saunders and the since departed Glenn Whelan, Rossiter shouldn’t take too long to settle in the dressing room, but Barton’s knowledge of the player extends far beyond his coaching days in the north west.
The pair were teammates at Rangers at the start of the 2016/17 season, before Barton’s rather abrupt departure from Ibrox, and as both Liverpudlians no doubt would have bonded in those early days in Glasgow - even with the 14-year age difference.
Barton should therefore know the 25-year-old’s game inside and out having spent hours on the training ground trying to tackle him, minutes on the pitch alongside him - albeit only six in league and cup - and observed him at close quarters from the sidelines during their time together at Fleetwood.
Rossiter brings genuine box-to-box ability to the Gas midfield, not dissimilar to former teammate Sam Finley, reinforcing Rovers at both ends of the field, with Glenn Whelan’s exit leaving a slight hole in the defensive side of that department.
“We are delighted to welcome Jordan to Bristol Rovers. A player who I know very well, Jordan is a leader both on and off the pitch,” Barton said. “His dynamic and combative style, combined with his excellent football ability, will strengthen us in our midfield area.
“I’m looking forward to working with Jordan again; he will be a superb addition to our group.”
A product of Liverpool's academy, Rossiter has been capped by England from Under-16 through to Under-19 level but was unable to make the first-team breakthrough at Anfield after being handed his debut by Brendan Rodgers in 2014.
He has made 50 appearances for Fleetwood in League One, but was reduced to just 10 appearances due to sustained injury issues, something which had blighted his time in Scotland. He played just 16 games north of the border, with his involvement interrupted by a series of calf injuries which seemed to have cleared up following his move to Fleetwood.
Barton highlighting his leadership is also relevant to Whelan's departure with the former Republic of Ireland international's impact in the dressing room as important, if not more, than his role on the pitch. Rossiter should provide additional support to Gas skipper Paul Coutts.
“I’m buzzing to be here. I know a few of the lads already and the whole club is looking to kick on from last season’s brilliant promotion,” Rossiter said.
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