Alfie Chang was the final of Bristol Rovers’ fourteen summer singing and cannot wait to get going, with his only disappointment being that his first game for the Gas is not today.
The midfielder was the last of four new additions on the last day of the transfer window, moving on loan from Sky Bet Championship team Birmingham City, with Darrell Clarke’s men retaining the option to make the move permanent in the future.
The 22-year-old has plenty of talent and made his first league appearance for the Blues in August 2022, going on to play 17 times in all competitions that season. A significant knee injury in August 2023 halted his progress, but Chang returned to action in January 2025 before going out on loan to Walsall for the remainder of the 2024/25 campaign.
Speaking to BRTV for the first time since joining Rovers, Chang is happy to be at the Club after a busy Deadline Day and is looking to earn a regular spot in the side.
So, Alfie, welcome to Bristol Rovers. How does it feel to be here?
"Thanks for having me. I’m buzzing and I’m really happy. I had a good session today, so I can’t wait to get going."
As it was a transfer Deadline Day move, did everything happen quickly, and have you been involved in a Deadline Day move before?
"I have. It’s always a bit chaotic, but now it’s done and we’re here, I’m happy."
How did this move come about?
"Speaking to people, speaking to the lads here and the gaffer, I thought it was a good opportunity for me to go and play some football and I can’t wait."
You mentioned some of the lads there. Have you got previous connections with some of them?
"I know Josh McEachran and Ellis Harrison after previously playing with them. It’s nice to have familiar faces in the dressing room."
You mentioned you had your first training session already today. How was it?
"It’s a great facility, and it was a tough session, but the lads all seemed good, and it was at a good intensity. So, I’m happy with that."
With a few lads joining at the same time, does it help when you are integrating into a new team?
"I’m aware there are a lot of new faces. So, it’s about bonding together and getting to know everyone. Not just me, but the other new lads as well."
For the fans watching, what is your playing style?
"I love both sides of the game. Out of possession, I am hungry and aggressive. I win the ball back tackling, but with the ball, I am quite calm and composed and help build up from the back."
What about in the dressing room?
"Some people might say I am a bit cheeky, but I love a bit of banter, and I get on with the lads."
Are you looking forward to getting regular minutes under your belt as well?
"I think previously having a longer-term injury, I missed a lot of games, and I’m aware of that. I’m looking forward to playing regularly and getting some good minutes."
There is some real experience in the midfield. Are you looking forward to getting bits of knowledge from them?
"There are obviously some good players here in the midfield. So, it will be good to learn from them and play with them on the pitch as well."
Are you already looking forward to that first fixture on Saturday?
"I can’t wait, I wish it were today. I’ve got to wait until the weekend and hopefully, I’ll be involved."
How excited are you to put on the shirt for the first time?
"I can’t wait. I’m buzzing."
Have you got a message to the fans heading into the weekend?
"Up the Gas."
