Bristol Rovers

It’s taken a while, and there have been numerous rumours and counter rumours in recent weeks, but Bristol Rovers are delighted to announce that striker Matty Taylor has today signed a new contract, which sees him remain at The Memorial Stadium.

Speaking about Taylor’s decision, manager Darrell Clarke said; “I am very pleased that Matty has agreed to stay with us.

“I know that he turned down a number of offers to stay here and to have a striker of his calibre in our squad as we prepare for life in League One gives us all a tremendous boost.

“Last season he contributed 28 goals and nine assists, which means he was involved in almost 50% of the goals we scored, and I think that demonstrates his value to the team.

“He has been training on his own during the summer, so there are no doubts about his fitness levels and we look forward to seeing him back with us as we continue our pre-season preparations.”

After signing his new contract Taylor said; “It has taken me a long time to determine my future and I apologise for the length of time involved.

“I did have offers from a number of Championship and League One clubs and, to be honest, it’s been difficult to arrive at a final decision.

“I have continued to train over the summer and have paid for the services of a personal trainer to make sure that I can drop straight back into the club’s pre-season schedule without too many problems.

“Naturally, I am delighted to have determined my future and now I can’t wait to get back out on the training ground and playing football again.

“I have enjoyed being a member of an incredibly successful squad during the past two years and felt a great deal of loyalty to the gaffer and to Bristol Rovers. Although I am still very ambitious and want to play at the highest level possible, I didn’t want to leave the club under a cloud and via the back door.

“If, at some point down the line, a club comes in for me then they will have to pay Bristol Rovers a fee and I can leave by the front door, with my head held high.

“I would like to thank the gaffer, the owner and Bristol Rovers supporters for giving me the opportunity to play for this great club and for the time I have been given this summer to decide my future.”

Chairman Steve Hamer was also pleased that the striker has signed his contract, saying; “We have been very patient over the summer months and, in our opinion, made Matty a very good offer.

“We appreciate that he has had a very difficult decision to make regarding his future and we are so pleased that he has decided to remain at Bristol Rovers.

“It’s great news for the club and our supporters and, as the season draws ever closer, we are pleased with the way the squad is shaping up.”