With news emerging this week that terms are in place for Paul Coutts to extend his stay at Bristol Rovers, a growing nucleus is being put in place for next season.
The current campaign and Rovers' promotion bid is, rightly, the absolute priority for the time being, but the Gas are also planning for next season, regardless of what division they are in. In the lower reaches of the EFL, it is inevitable that there will be some turnover in the squad, but with Joey Barton's side developing nicely in recent months, there are good players tied down for 2022/23.
Here is the contract status of Barton's first-team squad as the end of the season nears...
James Belshaw
Gasheads were delighted when the club announced Belshaw had penned a contract extension last month. The 31-year-old already had terms in place until 2023, but Barton has rewarded his number one goalkeeper with an improved deal that will keep him in BS7 until the summer of 2024 at least.
Anssi Jaakkola
The Finn has endured another frustrating season at Rovers. The ability and pedigree are obvious, but the Gas have not seen him on the pitch as much as any party would have liked. Jaakkola is out of contract at the end of the season, but the club holds an option for a one-year extension. The Gas may feel they can find a more durable back-up keeper, though, which would allow them to send young prospect Jed Ward out on a much-needed loan and releasing Jaakkola could give him a fresh start.
Jed Ward
Rovers have their goalkeeping position secure in the present with Belshaw, and Ward could be the future. Needs a sustained period playing out on loan, though, which has not been possible due to Jaakkola's injuries. Rovers have never disclosed the homegrown prospect's contract situation, but he is known to have a deal in place that keeps him at the club for next season.
Luca Hoole
The full-back has enjoyed a breakthrough campaign, cementing his place in the starting XI in recent months and racking up 27 appearances in all competitions. With full-backs becoming an increasingly important attacking position, he is sure to be an influential player next season. Signed a new two-year deal in February.
Josh Grant
Had more than his fair share of injury problems, but he has starred when he has had the chance to play this season, with three goals from full-back in 17 games. Incredibly versatile with experience in League One, he is contracted to Rovers until 2023 and could be an important performer.
Nick Anderton
Grown hugely as a Rovers player as the season has gone on, contributing significantly to the defensive improvements that have pushed the Gas into promotion contention. Has another year to run on his contract after signing a two-year deal in 2021.
Connor Taylor
The stalwart of Rovers' defence is coming to the end of his loan and will head back to Stoke City in June. He could have playing chances at his parent club next season.
James Connolly
Like Taylor, his loan stint will end soon, but Connolly – outstanding since joining on loan in January – is out of contract at Cardiff City in the summer, giving cause for hope that he could be a Rovers player beyond the end of this campaign.
Alfie Kilgour
Not the season he would have hoped for but the academy graduate will hope to come back strongly in pre-season. Agreed a three-year deal in the summer of 2020 as a reward for impressive form, and he needs to recapture it next season when his knee problems are, hopefully, in the past.
Trevor Clarke
Played for the first time in more than three months on Saturday after enduring a campaign blighted by injuries. Signed a one-year deal last summer, with the club holding a one-year option. His future is uncertain.
Cian Harries
Signed a two-and-a-half-year contract on January deadline day in 2020, but has become a peripheral figure in the second half of the season with Barton settling on his preferred defence. Could be playing elsewhere next season.
Junior Brown
Another player who can curse his luck with injuries this season. The left-back is sure to be released when his one-year deal ends in the summer.
Pablo Martinez
The club triggered a one-year option in his contract after impressing in the face of relegation last season, but he has not been able to build on that this season with competition for places starving him of playing opportunities. Has been on loan at Gloucester City and is likely to be released.
Sam Finley
Perhaps Rovers' most consistent outfield player this season, delivering big performances throughout Rovers' changes in form. A pivotal cog in the Rovers machine and Barton will be delighted to have him under contract for next year.
Luke Thomas
His loan spell from Barnsley has not gone quite to plan. His relationship with Barton has had its moment of turbulence but Thomas has spoken of his gratitude for the manager's tough talking in the press that helped him back on track. Yet to show his best on the pitch and will head back to Oakwell with an uncertain future.
Zain Westbrooke
Has a deal in place until 2023 but has been on loan at relegation-threatened Stevenage. Rovers will look to move him on in the summer.
Sam Nicholson
Out of contract in the summer and sure to have plenty of options, some at a higher level. For Rovers to have a realistic chance of keeping him, promotion seems a necessity.
Elliot Anderson
Destined for greater things after showcasing his talent on loan from Newcastle United. He will head back north in hope of impressing Eddie Howe in pre-season.
Paul Coutts
The captain has played enough games to trigger a one-year extension at the Mem, meaning terms are in place for him to remain until 2024. A crucial player who brings so much on and off the pitch.
Harry Anderson
Back in form after a brief mid-season slump, playing in all but two league games for the Gas this season. Proving to be an excellent signing, bringing versatility and a healthy return of six goals and two assists. Signed a two-year deal after leaving Lincoln City last summer and good things can be expected from Anderson next season.
Cam Hargreaves
Spent much of the year out on loan in search of regular playing time and is set to be released when his contract ends in June.
Antony Evans
Few things are talked about more in Rovers circles than a new contract for Evans. With eight goals and eight assists this season, he is a star at the Mem and a fresh deal for the former Everton prospect will be celebrated like one of his spectacular free-kicks. Signed on a one-year prove-it deal, on deadline day in August and he has certainly made his case. Will have plenty of interest, with Rovers surely needing to be promoted to have a chance in the battle for his signature.
Sion Spence
Heading back to Crystal Palace at the end of his loan. Few chances has scored three big goals. Would do a good job for a League Two side with less competition in attacking midfield next season, you'd think.
Glenn Whelan
The 38-year-old signed a one-year as a free agent in September and has proved he can still contribute on the pitch, in addition to his leadership role in the dressing room. Does he have another year in him? Is there a coaching role in his future?
Ben Liddle
Been on loan at Queen of the South in the Scottish Championship, making 20 appearances. The former Middlesbrough midfielder signed a two-year contract with the Gas in 2020 and is set to be released in the summer.
Jon Nolan
Joined as a free agent a day after the January transfer deadline, but has played just once due to injury. Signed on a short-term deal and his future is up in the air.
Alex Rodman
Extended his stay with a one-year agreement last season, but he has suffered a miserable time with injuries and played just four times. The 35-year-old's time at the Mem could be coming to an end.
Leon Clarke
A summer deadline day addition on a one-year contract and has scored goals that proved to be decisive against Crawley Town and Scunthorpe United, but injury issues have contained him to nine appearances for the Gas. The 37-year-old is appreciated by Barton as a player and a senior figure, but the manager may look for a younger option next season.
Aaron Collins
Took his time to find his feet but he has fully established himself at Rovers now with 13 goals in all competitions. Has a year left on his deal and, with more improvement to come, he is a player to build around.
Harvey Saunders
Shown glimpses of what he can do and his pace off the bench is an ace up the sleeve. Has another year at the club to kick on and reach new levels in his game.
Ryan Loft
Signed a two-and-a-half-year contract when joining from Scunthorpe in January. Yet to score his first Rovers goal, but will get his chances next season.
Brett Pitman
Sent out on loan to Eastleigh after the signing of Loft. Rovers have the option to extend his contract at the end of the season, but Pitman will be released.
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