It is obvious that Joey Barton has brought sweeping change to Bristol Rovers since his arrival in February 2021, but only when taking a step back is it possible to see the true, massive scale of his overhaul.
Long lists of players have come and gone since Barton took charge. The summer transfer window brought much-needed change after the Gas sank to rock bottom of League One, with the manager taking the chance to almost entirely clean the slate.
More than a dozen players went in either direction in that trading period, and with significant changes off the field that have bestowed more power over transfer decisions in Barton's hands, the squad has been transformed.
Here is a breakdown of every first-team transfer sanctioned by Barton in his 11 months in charge...
Out
James Daly (Summer 2021)
Had the makings of a fan favourite with his high-energy style, but his goal returns were not strong enough to justify keeping him when there was interest from Stevenage.
Max Ehmer (Summer 2021)
His exit was inevitable after losing the captaincy, returning to Gillingham after a disastrous one-season stint with the Gas that hit its lowest ebb when he was publicly criticised by the manager.
David Tutonda (Summer 2021)
Made a flying start at the Mem and earned cult hero status, but his prominence waned and he finished the season as a squad player. A fresh start at Gillingham made sense for all parties.
George Williams (Summer 2021)
Lasted just a few months in BS7. He was brought in by Paul Tisdale to add experience on the right side of the defence, but he was allowed to join Cambridge United after Rovers' relegation.
Kyle Bennett (Summer 2021)
The most straightforward of decisions for Barton and Rovers to release Bennett, who never came close to returning the club's huge investment in signing him on a three-and-a-half-year deal after having his Portsmouth contract terminated in 2018.
Tom Davies (Summer 2021)
A quandary for Rovers to decide on, with Davies clearly an excellent centre-back but significant knee injuries marred his time at the club. Rovers ultimately let the player go, and he has relaunched his career at Tranmere Rovers, playing all but three games in League Two so far this season – making the bench for the matches he misses – with his tendonitis troubles behind him.
Josh Hare (Summer 2021)
A regular in Ben Garner's side, but Paul Tisdale did not seem to rate him and he played just 218 minutes under Barton before being released and joining National League Eastleigh.
Michael Kelly (Summer 2021)
After a loan spell at Yeovil Town, Kelly was a long way from first-team contention at Rovers and it was inevitable that he would be released, following Hare to the Spitfires at the end of his contract.
Ali Koiki (Summer 2021)
Like Davies, this was a situation Barton would have given more thought than most with Koiki talented but affected by injuries at the Mem in his one-year stay. The defender was released and snapped up by Northampton Town, where he has profited from Joseph Mills' absence to take the left-back spot, and he has shone with Sunderland, Sheffield Wednesday and Preston North End reportedly interested in signing him this month.
Luke Leahy (Summer 2021)
Rovers were keen for the captain to stay, but the chance of staying in League One with Shrewsbury Town, much closer to his roots in the Midlands, was too good to turn down.
Mark Little (Summer 2021)
Released after an injury-hit spell in BS7, joining Yeovil as a free agent.
Abu Ogogo (Summer 2021)
Another player to have his time with the Gas affected by injuries, but Barton was minded to offer him a chance to earn a contract in pre-season. However, the 32-year-old to the security of contract with National League Southend United.
Ed Upson (Summer 2021)
Maligned through his three years with the Gas but a regular fixture under each manager he played for, making 121 appearances for the Pirates. Regardless, Barton moved on in the summer in search of a complete refresh of his midfield options.
Jordi van Stappershoef (Summer 2021)
Had his moments, but with Anssi Jaakkola's injury concerns in mind, the Gas wanted a more experienced backup goalkeeping option. Now playing for AFC Amsterdam in the Dutch third tier.
Jonah Ayunga (Summer 2021)
Moments of promise in his one season with the Gas, but three goals in 35 appearances meant he was not central to Barton's plans and he was allowed to join League One Morecambe.
Jack Baldwin (Summer 2021)
A boom-and-bust stint, from a personal perspective, at Rovers as he struggled for consistency. When he was good, he was very good, but there were costly errors mixed in and Barton sanctioned his departure after Rovers' 4-1 defeat at Exeter City in August. Baldwin joined Scottish Premiership side Ross County and was an ever-present until serving a one-match suspension on Tuesday. Has captained his new club nine times this term.
Brandon Hanlan (Summer 2021)
Barton's vision for the player's future fluctuated, perhaps like many Gasheads, but as the transfer market took shape the manager wanted Hanlan to remain at Rovers, but the club ruled that a deal with Wycombe Wanderers that recouped the £150,000 investment in the player was too hard to resist, particularly with the player eager to move on.
Ben Liddle (Summer 2021)
A signing who made very little impact and probably blocked pathways for homegrown talents to develop. Made just nine appearances in his first season and was loaned to Queen Of The South after a solitary appearance in the Carabao Cup this year. Out of contract in the summer.
Mark Hughes (January 2022)
The first of Barton's signings to depart. On the pitch, this never went to plan, with the former Accrington Stanley stalwart making just six appearances due to injury. Added plenty of value off the pitch in an auxiliary coaching capacity, but a disappointing signing when it comes to playing contributions with the 35-year-old hanging up his boots.
Zain Westbrooke (January 2022)
An eye-catching signing from Coventry City in 2020, having played a part in the Sky Blues' title-winning campaign in League One. Rovers has proved to be the wrong place at the wrong time for Westbrooke. Showed glimpses but not enough production in his first season with the Gas and became a fringe player after Barton's first transfer window. Rovers wanted to move him on in the summer and a loan move to Stevenage sealed this week gives the 25-year-old a chance to restart his career. Contracted to Rovers until 2023.
Zain Walker (January 2022)
A talented prospect but first-team chances in Barton's overhauled squad were a long way away. Was set to be released in the summer, but a permanent move to King's Lynn Town in January gives the winger a chance to prove himself at National League level.
In
Nick Anderton (Summer 2021)
A good debut was followed by a difficult period where he lost confidence, but the defender has improved significantly and is pushing for places in the starting XI.
Paul Coutts (Summer 2021)
A nasty case of COVID-19 forced him out of pre-season, putting him months behind schedule, but the captain is up to speed now and he is performing well.
Sam Finley (Summer 2021)
An all-action player who catches the eye in every game, but he has not played in what feels like an eternity due to a three-match suspension that started on December 11 and has only just concluded.
Mark Hughes (Summer 2021)
As mentioned above, he was signed to play a big role but left the club just a few months later having called time on his playing career.
Connor Taylor (Summer 2021)
Barton enjoyed huge success with one loan centre-back from Stoke City – Harry Souttar – so he tried his luck with another in Taylor and the 20-year-old has been outstanding for the Gas.
Aaron Collins (Summer 2021)
Started slowly after failing to open his account soon after joining from Forest Green Rovers, but he has become a key player with five goals in his last four games.
Harvey Saunders (Summer 2021)
Injury has held him back, but he has been an upgrade on James Daly, posing more of a danger in front of goal. His imminent return from a three-month absence with ankle ligament damage will be a welcome boost for the Gas; his raw speed is a handy weapon for the manager.
Sion Spence (Summer 2021)
Incredible highs with a stoppage-time winner against Walsall in September – to end almost a year-long run without a victory away from home – and a brace in the remarkable FA Cup triumph over Oxford United, but the Crystal Palace prospect has been mainly a fringe player.
Luke Thomas (Summer 2021)
Big things have been expected of Thomas at Rovers, but – as has been well documented – there have been issues in the background that have seen him fall in and out of favour with the manager. The 22-year-old is back in the frame now, though, and could be an important asset for the Gas in the second half of the season.
Trevor Clarke (Summer 2021)
Injury problems were a concern when he signed and his luck did not change when he joined the Gas. Played little football in the first half of the season, but an impressive performance against Rochdale in December showed what he can do.
Harry Anderson (Summer 2021)
Almost ever-present in Barton's side, with the manager putting his trust in the former Lincoln City man at right wing-back. His form has fluctuated, which is to be expected with a player learning a new role, but his goal against Rochdale last month could be reflected on as a crucial moment come the end of the season.
James Belshaw (Summer 2021)
Brought in as a backup with plenty of starting experience and that has been invaluable with the new fans' favourite being thrust into the action due to Jaakkola's Achilles problem. With Jaakkola back in contention, Belshaw is the man in possession.
Brett Pitman (Summer 2021)
The proven goalscorer was among Barton's top targets in his first window and the deal was eventually sorted once Pitman's contract at Swindon Town was terminated. Scored a vital goal against Bradford City and had Rovers on course for victory at Colchester until a late capitulation for the Gas. His role has been redefined since, with the 33-year-old likely to be used more as a sub in the second half of the season.
Junior Brown (Summer 2021)
Another player with injury problems since joining as a free agent on deadline day. The 32-year-old has made just three starts and has not played since October 30 due to a thigh injury.
Leon Clarke (Summer 2021)
Could not have started better for the Gas, scoring with his first touch to beat Crawley in September, but he was injured a week later and hasn't played since. Due back in action soon, though.
Antony Evans (Summer 2021)
The signing of the summer, coming in on deadline day after leaving SC Paderborn in Germany. The former Everton under-23s captain is perhaps Rovers' most influential player, with five goals and eight assists in 21 games for the Gas.
Glenn Whelan (Summer 2021)
At 38, the Irishman's greatest asset is his experience and he was an important part of Rovers' steadily improving form over the autumn. May play less in the second half of the season, but he will step capably when needed.
Ryan Loft (January 2022)
Could be the missing piece of Rovers' attack, bringing physicality and a target to aim at. Watch this space.
James Connolly (January 2022)
After Hughes' absence, the loan signing of the Cardiff City under-23s captain has added depth, and he impressed in his sole appearance so far – the FA Cup defeat at Peterborough United on January 8.
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