The youngest of Paul Trollope's summer signings, former Charlton midfielder Harry Pell, faced the press on the first day of pre season training and indicated that he was looking forward to his time at the club.

The manager was instrumental in bringing him to Rovers and beat off competition from at least two other league clubs for his signature, but as well as his persuasive powers regarding the attraction of joining Rovers, Paul was able to provide Harry with suitable living accommodation. And that appears to have helped him clinch the deal.

"I'm quite a way from home and didn't really want to live with a family, as I did during my time with Charlton, so Paul suggested that I could stay with one of the players and so I'll be staying with Charlie Reece.

"Although I've only been in his house for a couple of days, I think it's fair to say that he's quite a lively character! It was good to get to know someone before training began, though, and he's helped me settle in at the club and introduced me to all the lads. Now I just can't wait to get started."

He admitted to a few first day nerves.

"It's exciting and a little bit worrying at the same time, but I'm just going to give it my best shot through pre season and see if the gaffer wants to put me in, and thinks he can trust me to do a job.

"Naturally there will be pressure to perform if I get in the side but, hopefully, I'll take my chance if and when it comes."

At least he knows that he's now at a club where younger players are given an opportunity to make it through to the first team, something that doesn't appear to have been the case at Charlton.

"I don't think Charlton manager Phil Parkinson believed in a youth policy as much as Paul Trollope does. In my first year as a pro I made eight reserve team starts, so things were going quite well, but in my second year the reserve team folded and I went on loan to Hastings to play some first team football and to try and prove the gaffer that I deserved a place.

"I played 16 games at Hastings, and did quite well, but on my return the manager said that I wouldn't be playing first team football.

"However, I had faith in my own ability and had trials at Gillingham, Wycombe and Rovers. Both Gillingham and Wycombe were prepared to offer me a contract, but I decided to join Rovers because I liked the set up, and the people. The manager persuaded me to come, and I can't wait to get started."

He certainly looked a bright prospect in the one reserve game he played for the club, at Hereford, last season and if his play matches his ambitions, we could well see him challenging for a first team spot from the off.

"In twelve months time, I would love to be able to look back on a season when I have established myself as a player, scored a few goals, and played at Wembley!"