Bristol Rovers manager Joey Barton says Ryan Jones’ new contract is reward for his performances on loan last season and has challenged the young midfielder to continue to improve on his watch.
Jones has followed fellow Gas youngster Harvey Greenslade in penning a one-year deal in BS7 as his previous agreement was due to expire at the end of the month. Like Greenslade, Jones spent the majority of the 2022/23 season out on loan, at National League South side Hungerford Town.
The versatile Jones made 10 appearances in a number of positions and having arrived in north Bristol from Weston-super-Mare in 2020, with the Gas paying an undisclosed to sign him after he underwent a trial at Fulham, is yet to fully settle into one role.
"We are pleased to offer Ryan a new contract,” Barton said, having previously praised the 21-year-old's professionalism and dedication to his craft.
“He’s done really well out on loan last season, getting a lot of game time, which is very important for young players and this contract is a reward for his efforts. He must continue to work hard and, with that, he will keep improving.”
Jones has made seven first-team appearances over the last two seasons for the Gas, in the FA Cup, League Cup and EFL Trophy, scoring in the latter competition against Exeter City, and has been a frequent traveller with the senior squad on matchdays.
He is the last of the four detailed in Rovers' retained list who were in talks over a new deal to sign, following Greenslade, Grant Ward and Josh Grant.
Similar to Greenslade, with Rovers’ pre-season campaign kicking off on June 30 at Melksham Town, and the Gas likely to be adding new recruits throughout the summer, there should be opportunities for him to show his manager how far he’s progressed during his time away from the club.
“I’m delighted to have been offered a new deal after having a progressive season at National League South,” Jones said. “Hopefully, I can now push on and prove myself and get closer to a place in the first team. I can’t wait to learn even more from a great group of lads and staff."
Meanwhile, Rovers have confirmed a pre-season game against Brentford B on Saturday, July 15, with the venue still to be confirmed, as their fourth friendly of the summer. As mentioned, the Gas begin against Melksham Town on June 30 before a trip to National League Eastleigh on July 8.
They also travel to Championship Swansea City on Tuesday, July 25 which leaves the weekends of July 22 and 29 to be filled, barring any further midweek matches.
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