Bristol Rovers

Bristol Rovers have, subject to international clearance, completed the signing of former West Ham United midfielder Cristian Montano.

He becomes the second Colombian to sign for the club, after Angelo Balanta, and joins us having recently played for America de Cali in his home country.

Manager Darrell Clarke said of his new signing; “Cristian can play wide right or left and he has impressed me every time I have seen him play.

“It’s fair to say that he comes with quite a lot of baggage and I have spoken at length with Cristian and his advisers before deciding to offer him a contract.

“I know that he is desperate for another opportunity to play league football and I’m a firm believer in giving everyone a second chance.

“I have also spoken to two of his former managers, who have given him glowing references, and he is a player who will excite our supporters, I’m sure.”

Chairman Nick Higgs said; “I agree with Darrell in that everyone deserves a second chance and I would like to welcome Cristiano to Bristol Rovers and hope that he enjoys a successful career with us.

“He has an excellent footballing background and I think he will be a huge asset to the club. Signing players who could give us some width was always going to be a priority and we hope to make further additions to the squad in the coming weeks.”

The 23 year old signed for West Ham as an Under-12 player and signed his first pro contract with the Hammers in 2010 though he never made a first team appearance for the club.

He spent time on loan with Notts County (twice), Swindon Town, Dagenham & Redbridge and Oxford United before signing a permanent contract with Oldham Athletic in the summer of 2012, going on to score three goals in 40 league appearances whilst at Boundary Park.

To watch Cristian's first interview as a Rovers player, click here.