Bristol Rovers is delighted to confirm the signing of midfielder Ryan Howley.
Howley has put pen to paper on a two-year deal with the Pirates following a short trial in BS7, having departed Sky Bet Championship team Coventry City at the end of last season.
The 21-year-old has represented Wales at youth level and played 13 times in all competitions for Ayr United last season, where he spent the first half of the campaign on loan from the Sky Blues.
“I’m really excited to be here,” said Howley. “I’ve been training with the lads for the last few days and got to play in the game against Chippenham Town. It’s been a good start, and I’m just happy to be here.
“Pre-season has been tough so far. We’ve been put through our paces, but you need that so early on in pre-season to get the fitness up and to get us where we want to be. That’s what we’ve got to do.”
Head Coach Darrell Clarke welcomed Howley to the Club, saying: “Ryan Howley is an exciting young talent, and I’m delighted we’ve been able to bring him to Bristol Rovers.
“He has a brilliant range of passing and likes to get on the ball, and our fans already got to see a glimpse of his potential in a Rovers shirt when we faced Chippenham Town. We’re looking forward to seeing even more from him.”
Director of Football Ricky Martin said: “Ryan is a young midfielder with a high potential, and a player who has shown composure and maturity in his development to date.
“We are pleased to welcome him to the Club and to see him continue his development and progression with us.”
A product of Coventry’s academy, Howley signed his first professional contract at the Sky Blues in November 2020 before making his debut in a Carabao Cup defeat to Northampton in August 2021. He impressed in Coventry’s youth setup and won the EFL Championship Apprentice Of The Season for the 2021/22 campaign.
Howley went out on loan to Scottish Premiership team Dundee in the 2023/24 campaign and made 13 league appearances before playing for Ayr United in the Scottish Championship the following season, where he played ten times before being recalled in January.
The midfielder has also represented Wales internationally at the youth level, earning three caps combined across the U19 and U21 teams.
Everyone at Bristol Rovers would like to welcome Ryan to the Club and wishes him every success for this time with the Pirates.
