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Two goalkeepers that Rovers should look to sign after Luke Southwood leaves

· Will Murray · 2026-08-11 · nguồn gốc

Two goalkeepers that Bristol Rovers should target following Luke Southwood exit Luke Southwood became Bristol Rovers' eighth summer departure after joining Blackpool Luke Southwood has signed for Blackpool, becoming Bristol Rovers' eighth summer departure. He has left to join the League One club for an undisclosed fee, having signed a one-year deal with an option for a further 12 months. Speaking about the goalkeeper's exit, manager Steve Evans said: "Luke has been an outstanding professional since I joined the Gas. "Blackpool made several approaches, and it’s fair to say Luke wanted to go. His personal circumstances say he wants to be in the north west, which I understand. We all wish him every success, and he joins a really ambitious football club." On signing for Blackpool, Southwood said: "I’m buzzing to be here and really happy to have got the move completed. "Reuniting with the gaffer was one of the biggest selling points in terms of coming here as I know how good and detailed he is. He is a manager who I believe I can thrive under." This means that Brad Young is the only senior goalkeeper at Rovers, with Jed Ward joining Walsall permanently and Charlie Binns going out on loan to Malvern Town after signing a one-year deal with the Gas last week. Young will need a backup for the 2026/27 season, and it is something that Evans will be looking to address as soon as possible. As a result, we've looked at two goalkeepers Rovers could target between now and September 1... Joe Hilton Joe Hilton ticks a lot of boxes for what Evans wants in a shot-stopper. He's 6ft 6 in and has solid experience in England and Scotland. He was very much the backup goalkeeper at Bradford City last season, playing only three games, all in the Vertu Trophy. Hilton has previously played for the likes of Marine, Fleetwood Town, Hamilton Academical, while also featuring for Blackburn Rovers' and Everton's Under-21s. If location isn't an issue for the Manchester-born 26-year-old, fighting for his place with Young could be the perfect next step for Hilton. Lee Burge On Monday, August 10, Lee Burge was named one of the 44 free agents for the PFA's pre-season training camp. The 33-year-old has only had four clubs in his career - Coventry City, Nuneaton Town, Sunderland, and Northampton Town. He departed the Cobblers this summer after four years with the club, helping them win promotion from League Two in the 2022/23 season. Burge played 24 times in all competitions for Northampton last season, and has plenty to offer, especially in the fourth tier. At 33 years of age, 6ft 3in, and two promotions from League Two (the other one came with Coventry), this feels like a sensible option for Evans to keep Young on his toes.