Striker completes two-and-a-half year deal
Striker Ryan Brunt has today joined Bristol Rovers from Stoke.
The 19-year-old has joined the club on a two-and-a-half year deal.
Manager John Ward said: "I noticed him when I was at Colchester and he was playing for Tranmere, so I have known about him for about 12 months.
"He has also played for Leyton Orient, so although he is only 19 he does come with experience of the lower levels.
"He is a big lad and a line leader. He is what you would describe as an old fashioned centre forward, and he has goals in him, which is obviously important.
"I have said before that I have strikers here who need some help over the next 19 games, and I think Ryan's presence can provide what we are looking for and take some of the pressure off.
Brunt started his football career with Bristol City's youth team before joining Stoke City's academy in 2010.
He missed most of the 2010–11 season after suffering a cruciate knee ligament injury.
Brunt spent a month on loan at Luton Town, where he made five substitute appearances before returning to Stoke after an extension could not be agreed.
In January 2012 Brunt joined Tranmere Rovers on a month’s loan, and he made his Football League debut in a 1–1 draw against Huddersfield Town.
He scored his first professional goal in a 1–1 draw with Charlton Athletic, and extended his loan with Tranmere for a second month.
In July 2012 Brunt joined Leyton Orient on a six month loan, where he scored three goals in nine starts.
Chairman Nick Higgs said: “We would like to welcome Ryan to the club, he is an exciting young striker who has experience of playing in the lower levels.
“He gives us even more options and we look forward to him joining our squad.”