Riley Harbottle knows exactly what it takes to be successful in Sky Bet League Two and is looking to bring his experience to Bristol Rovers.
The centre-back was part of the AFC Wimbledon side who claimed promotion out of the fourth tier last season, with the 25-year-old featuring 25 times in the league before playing in their play-off final victory over Walsall at Wembley.
Now at the Gas, where he has signed a contract until 2028, Rovers' fourth summer signing is ready to hit the ground running at the Pirates. Thrown straight into the team for Rovers' fixture against Colchester United, where he was partnered alongside former Mansfield Town team-mate Alfie Kilgour, Harbottle is ready for the challenge ahead.
Speaking to BRTV for the first time, the defender outlined his reasons for joining the Club and reflected on his first outing at The Memorial Stadium.
So, Riley, welcome to Bristol Rovers Football Club. How does it feel to be here?
“I’m delighted to be here. I think it’s quite a long time coming, but I’m buzzing to be here.”
What made you know that the Gas was the right option for you?
“When I had previous conversations with the gaffer, he explained the project. I think the Club speaks for itself. I spoke to a few former players like Ollie Clarke, and I spoke to Alfie Kilgour, and they gave really good recommendations.”
You mentioned Alfie there – you've already played with him before, and on the weekend as well. Does that make it easier to join a club, knowing that there is a familiar face?
“I think Alfie and I have always had a really good relationship since Mansfield. We stayed in touch quite a bit, so it made the move easier, definitely.”
What would you say your playing style is to the fans watching?
“I am always going to give 100 per cent. I like to defend, and at previous clubs, I’ve liked to score goals as a defender as well. I am ready to get this Club back to where it should be.”
We spoke about Mansfield, where you scored six goals in one League Two season – it shows you're a presence in both boxes...
“I think it helped when I had people like Alfie and other lads of that size being occupied by other defenders, giving me the opportunity to go and attack the ball. I scored a crucial goal last year with Wimbledon. So, I do like to score goals.
You have had success in League Two before. What does it take to be successful?
“I think I do know what it takes. I have had two full seasons in this league, one leading to a promotion and one missing out on the play-offs on goal difference. I know what this league is about, and to be successful, you need togetherness. I think the team we had at Wimbledon last year showed that whatever you are, if you’re together, you can do anything.”
Speak to me more about that experience because promotions must be such memorable times...
“It was probably the best part of my career so far. I loved every minute at Wimbledon. All the fans, the club and the staff were all brilliant with me, but I wasn’t playing games, and every footballer wants to play games. So, when an opportunity like this comes about, you have to take it.”
Coming into this dressing room, what sort of character do you think you will bring?
“I would like to bring leadership. I think there are a lot of really good players in that changing room, and if we start getting on the right side of results, I think the Club could shoot up the league quickly.”
Signing on Friday and then playing on Saturday, what was that quick experience like?
“I want to play football and not train on Friday, and to be thrown straight in, I was a little bit surprised. I had been waiting for an opportunity at Wimbledon, so when the opportunity came here, I knew I would be ready.”
As a home player at The Mem, what was that experience like and the atmosphere as well...
“It was incredible. It was the first time I had ever been to The Mem. Unfortunately, I had not been able to play there when the Club was in League One, and I was in League Two. The first impressions were incredible; the fans were really good.”
There is now a one-week break until the next fixture. Will the break allow you to have some time on the training pitch and meet the team?
“I think that is massively important. I met a few of the boys on the first day I was there, and I met a few in the changing room before the game. The lads seem like a great group. So, hopefully we can have a good week this week and get a positive result on Saturday.”
