Once Jack Sparkes knew of Bristol Rovers’ interest in signing him, there was no doubt in his mind where he wanted to play next.
The flying full-back completed a move to The Memorial Stadium on Monday, joining from Peterborough United and signing a two-year deal with the Gas.
The 24-year-old is Rovers’ first new acquisition of the 2025 Summer transfer window and, speaking in his first interview since putting pen to paper, Sparkes revealed that conversations with Head Coach Darrell Clarke and Director Of Football Ricky Martin immediately made up his mind about moving to BS7.
Now the ink is dry on his signature, and with pre-season training set to begin imminently, Sparkes is eager to get down to work ahead of the 2025/26 Sky Bet League Two campaign…
Jack, welcome to Bristol Rovers! How does it feel to be here?
“I’m really happy to be here. Once I heard of Bristol Rovers’ interest I couldn’t wait to get here and get started. I spoke to the gaffer and, as soon as I spoke to him, I couldn’t wait to get going.”
How have those conversations with Darrell Clarke gone?
“They were really good. He told me about how he saw me and my role, in what formation, and how he wanted me to play. It really matches with how I like to play, which is why it was a no-brainer to come here and get the deal done as soon as possible.”
You’ve also had conversations with Director Of Football Ricky Martin too. How were those conversations?
“They were good as well! Those were more done between my agent and Ricky. I spoke to him as well when I first came in and he outlined exactly what Darrell had also outlined in terms of the way the Club is going and what everyone wants to achieve. Everyone has their thoughts aligned here which is a big thing. We’re all pulling in the same direction.”
What attracted you to the project here at Bristol Rovers?
“Having spoken to Darrell, he said the Club has got high ambitions which, for me, is what you want to hear. Speaking with him, it was clear that that I would really like to come here, and had to come here, because this is a really good project.”
You’ll have visited The Memorial Stadium before as an opposition player. What do you make of The Mem and how excited are you to play at your new home?
“The Mem is a really good stadium, and it always has a good atmosphere. I don’t think I’ve ever had a good game there as an opposition player, which shows just how tough a place it is to go as an away team. It’s nice to be on the home side and have the home fans on my side.”
Are you looking forward to meeting the Gasheads for the first time?
“Definitely, I cannot wait. That first game of the season, I know the stadium will be bouncing and they will be behind us. We’ll get the numbers in and we’ll need their support as much as anything this year. It’s going to be a tough year and we’ve got high hopes and high expectations.”
You’ve got a lot of experience in the EFL already and know about League Two. What sort of season do you think it’s going to be?
“I think it’ll be a difficult season. You always go through ups and downs, whether you’re battling at the bottom of the league or the top of the league. Whatever happens though, we’ll need the fans to stick with us. It’ll be difficult at times but, at the end of the day, what matters is where we finish at the end of the season.”
Could you tell us a bit about yourself as a player?
“I like to think of myself as an attacking wing-back or full-back. I like to get forward and try to get crosses into the box. I want to try and make goals, and even assist goals, which I hope I can bring here for Bristol Rovers. That’s what I’d like fans to expect from me.”
And what sort of personality will you bring to our changing room?
“I like a bit of banter for sure! I’m looking forward to meeting all the lads. It’s my third new changing room in past two years, so I like to think I know what to expect when it comes to meeting a new group.
“I like to think I’m a kind guy, a nice guy, although of course I’m going to say that. But I’m looking forward to meeting all the lads.”
Being a lad from Exeter and then having moved around a bit in the last couple of seasons, with Portsmouth and Peterborough, are you looking to put down some roots and make a home for yourself at a Club?
“Definitely, and that’s a big part of why I was drawn to Bristol Rovers. I want to find a place where I can settle and really enjoy my football. I was at Portsmouth, and I really enjoyed my time there, and then I went to Peterborough, but things didn’t completely work out there. So now it’s important for me to find a Club I can thrive at, and play well for, and I think I can do that here at Rovers.”
Being a bit closer to home as well, being in the South West again, means being nearer to family and a bit more settled again…
“Definitely, although location didn’t really matter to me too much when it came to my next opportunity. I wanted to go and join a project that I believe in and Rovers was absolutely that one for me."
How excited are you now to pull on the Blue-and-White Quarters for the first time?
“I’m really excited. I’ve also just seen the 2025/26 Away Kit, which I know the Club is launching soon, and that looks really good. But I can’t wait to pull on the home kit too for the first time and step out as a Bristol Rovers player.”
And, finally, what message would you like to give Bristol Rovers supporters?
“I’m looking forward to meeting you all! Please stick with us. It will be difficult at times, no doubt, but I think we’ll do well this season and what matters most is what happens come the end of the campaign.”
