For Stephan Negru, Bristol Rovers’ ambitions for the 2025/26 season in Sky Bet League Two was the main selling point for him wanting to join the Gas.
The centre-back was the second of the Pirates’ four Deadline Day moves, joining on loan from Sky Bet Championship team Oxford United on a season-long loan.
The 23-year-old, who has already experienced the fourth tier of English football after making 30 appearances at Salford City on loan last term, was born in Ireland and moved to the UK in January 2023 when he switched from Irish outfit Shelbourne.
Speaking to BRTV for the first time since moving to the Gas, Negru reflected on his move to the Club and his eagerness to play in front of the Gasheads for the first time.
So, Stephan, welcome to Bristol Rovers Football Club. How excited are you to be here?
"Thank you very much. I am over the moon to get it done, and I can’t wait to play in front of the fans and show what I am able to do."
It was a Deadline Day move. Was it a really busy day for you?
"Like any normal Deadline Day, it’s back and forth, back and forth, but it’s all done now. So, I’m happy to be here."
As a really promising defender, how did you know that Bristol Rovers was the right step for you in your career?
"Their ambition is obviously looking to push back into League One, and I want to just play at the highest level, get promoted and help the team. So, I had a chat with the gaffer as well, and what he said about suits me to a tee."
You mentioned those early conversations there. Was feeling that early connection a really big part?
"One hundred per cent. Chatting to him at the start and him showing that he wants me and trusts in my ability and the ambition of the Club altogether was perfect."
You were born in Ireland. What was football like over there, and why did you decide that England was the right step for you?
"As a kid, I watched the Premier League, and to reach the best league in the world has always been the goal. In England, there are leagues below that, and that’s the process. I played the majority of my academy career in Ireland, and then I did well and got brought over to the UK. I have been progressing slowly but surely, and it’s every kid's dream to play at the highest level."
You are a really young defender, but have experience in the EFL as well. Do you think you’ll be able to bring that experience to the Club?
"I back myself every day of the week, and I like the EFL because of the physicality, but also when you look at the play, I think I suit that."
Do you think you learned a lot from your previous loan move to bring it into this one?
"It was my first real full season. So, experience is invaluable in the game of football. I’ve learnt a lot and played with some experienced defenders over there and taken bits here and there. I am excited to bring what I can over here and learn from the players that are already here."
Getting those regular minutes must have given you a real taste of first-team football....
"Exactly. All I want to do is play football. So, whenever you get the chance to go on the pitch and play football, that’s what makes me happy. I want to perform and show people what I am capable of doing."
Moving to the city of Bristol, have you ever been here before, and have there been any players that you’ve played with before?
"I’ve never been to Bristol before. I have heard good things about Bristol and the city. I played with Josh McEachran at Oxford, and I had a phone call with him, and he was telling me how nice it is and about the Club, and the city. I can’t wait to be here and live here, and experience the environment."
Do those previous connections help when you’re settling into a new team?
"It always helps to get familiar faces and settle in quickly. I gel quite quickly and I’m open and extroverted in that sense, so I can’t wait to meet the lads and get going."
Talking about action on the pitch, what type of defender are you?
"I would like to say I am an old school defender in a sense, but one that also wants to play. I’m quite physical, I like to get stuck in, I’m aggressive, but I always want to play football and show my capabilities on the pitch as well."
At the start of the season, Rovers have kept three consecutive clean sheets. Is that exciting to know you’re coming into a compact defence?
"That’s what defenders are here to do: to keep clean sheets and give the ball to players to create."
For the players in the dressing room, what type of character do you think you’ll be?
"I’m a lively character. I don’t shy away. I like to get in with the lads and have a bit of banter. So, I can’t wait to settle in, and I feel like they will settle me in quite well."
Looking at the blue-and-white quarters, how excited are you to pull those on for the first time?
"I’m over the moon and I can’t wait. Once I get flowing with the things and get back on the pitch, I can’t wait to put it in front of the fans and show them what I can do and bring to this Club."
Seeing the Gasheads at The Mem must be a really good thought as well...
"It’s a massive Club. I’ve played at The Mem once, and the fans backed the team, and they are loud. So, I can’t wait to put on the shirt and for them to be on my side this time."
You mentioned playing at The Mem before. Was it an intimidating experience or difficult?
"The fans are loud, and you can feel their support as the twelfth man for the team. I can’t wait to be on the right side of that and experience that, and hopefully I can perform well for the Club and for the fans, and they can appreciate what I can do on the pitch."
What do you want to get out of this loan move?
"For me, I want to get games under my belt and get back playing football again, but also to follow the ambition of the Club. We want to get promoted. So, that’s the same goal I have. Win games, keep clean sheets, show people what I am able to do and bring this Club to where it belongs."
Finally, have you got a message for the fans?
"I want to say that I can’t wait to play in front of you and up the Gas!"
