Forward signs with the Gas!
Former Rovers loan striker Rory Gaffney today rejoined the club on a permanent basis following a short spell back with his parent club, Cambridge United.Popular with team mates and supporters alike, the Galway born player scored five goals in seven league matches during his impressive one month loan spell with us.
Manager Darrell Clarke said today; "It goes without saying that I am very pleased to welcome Rory back to the Memorial Stadium on a permanent basis.
"I've been unable to say anything about the situation since he returned to his parent club as he was a Cambridge United player and it would have been disrespectful to speak about another club's player.
"I did say, when he joined us on loan, that he would give us a different option in attack and I think he proved that during his short time with us. Now I look forward to working with him again and I know that he will be welcomed back by the whole squad as we prepare for some very important matches."
Chairman Nick Higgs revealed that discussions with Cambridge regarding a permanent transfer have been ongoing for at least a week; "I have to say that negotiations have been cordial and would like to thank Cambridge United and their Chairman for the professional manner in which we have been able to discuss, and finally conclude, the transfer.
"Cambridge didn't really want to lose Rory and I have spoken with their Chairman on a daily basis for the last week. I have nothing but praise for everyone involved in the eventual transfer at the Cambridge end and wish them well for the remainder of the season.
"Rory is joining us for an undisclosed fee and on a permanent contract and I am delighted that he is returning to us. It's a very important signing for Bristol Rovers as we bid to achieve a second successive promotion.
"Darrell has continued to build on last season's success and we will do everything we can to back him as we look to improve our already impressive record this season. In welcoming Rory back to us, I would like to wish him a long and successful career with Bristol Rovers."
Rory joined Rovers on transfer deadline day, 26th November 2015, in a one month loan deal from Cambridge United and made his debut against Exeter City two days later.
Having made his League of Ireland First Division bow with Mervue United in a 1-0 home defeat against Athlone Town in March 2009, he had registered braces against Salthill Devon, Finn Harps and Wexford Youths before a high profile move to Limerick, whom he helped secure promotion to the Irish Premier League in 2012, a season in which he was First Division Player of the Year.
Gaffney’s spell at Limerick included a hat trick in a 4-1 home victory over Bray Wanderers in August 2014, amongst his 19 goals in 44 (+6) Premier League appearances. He was Limerick’s top scorer in the 2014 season with 14 goals.
He joined Cambridge United in January 2015, but a foot injury meant that he didn't make his debut for them until September 2015 at the Abbey Stadium when, despite only playing the last nine minutes, he set up the only goal of the game against Stevenage. The following month, his first full start enabled him to score two first half goals as Yeovil Town were defeated 3-2 at Huish Park and he played the final 20 minutes against Rovers the following weekend.
Rory scored his first Rovers goal in the 3-0 win against Dagenham & Redbridge on 19th December 2015 and scored twice against both Leyton Orient and Luton Town in the final two games of his loan spell before his return to The Abbey Stadium.