Exclusive: Bristol Rovers considering move to sign Plymouth Argyle legend

Bristol Rovers are interested in signing Plymouth Argyle captain Joe Edwards, Bristol Live understands, after previously trying to land the experienced defender in the January transfer window.

Edwards is a genuine modern-day legend at Home Park, further enhanced by his performances at the end of last season, when he scored the winner in the final game of 2023/24 against Hull City that secured their Championship survival.

However, the 33-year-old almost left the Pilgrims in the previous transfer window as he fell out of favor with former head coach Ian Foster, with Gas boss Matt Taylor determined to bring him back to Bristol when Edwards and -It started. career south of the river at Ashton Gate.

A move has failed but there is a desire to revive talks with Plymouth and Edwards, who has a year left on his contract at Devon, which includes the option for him to take up a coaching role if he chooses.

Rovers hope to tempt the M5 as he can offer not only considerable experience on the pitch, having made 528 career appearances, but also as a leading presence in the dressing room.

Captain Sam Finley left the Gas at the end of last season, with the midfielder heavily linked with the previous regime under Joey Barton, while experienced striker John Marquis has also moved on, while Jordan Rossiter and Scott Sinclair are considering new contracts.

Of the remaining squad members who are on terms for 2024/25, Chris Martin, Jack Hunt and James Wilson – a former team-mate of Edwards at Plymouth – are all over 30, but Taylor wants additional people to help set the culture and to go on. from the recent past. Edwards can do that and continues to play at a high level, making 37 appearances in all competitions last season, 25 as a starter in the Championship.

Rovers are trying to build much of their transfer model around signing younger players with high ceilings in the mold of Kamil Conteh, but there is an acknowledgment from technical director George Friend of the need for balance in the squad.

Capable of playing as a full-back or full-back, Gloucester-born Edwards came through Aston Villa’s academy before being brought to Bristol City, where he made his professional debut in 2011. After four appearances, he moved to Yeovil Town . , Colchester United and Walsall as permanent destinations before settling in Plymouth.

Since signing for Argyle, Edwards has made 223 appearances and was part of the 2022/23 League One winning side when he played alongside Wilson.