Ryan de Havilland was full of praise for Bristol Rovers after signing for the Pirates right at the start of January.
During one of the most hectic periods of the football schedule, the Gas moved quickly right at the start of the month to secure the services of the 24-year-old, who was ready to make the squad for Rovers' match versus Barrow before the game was postponed.
The midfielder has now had a week to settle into a new area after switching from Sky Bet League One outfit Peterborough United, working alongside his new team-mates as they prepare to face Plymouth Argyle in the Vertu Trophy.
Speaking to BRTV for the first time since moving to the Gas, De Havilland reflected on his first week at Rovers and his reasons for moving to the Club.
So, Ryan, to start off with, welcome to Bristol Rovers. How does it feel to be here?
“It feels really good. It’s obviously been a weird start with the Barrow fixture, with it being called off and then a few days off, but it’s been good now to get a few days in and train with the boys and get some proper sessions in."
This is a welcome interview, but you’ve been here for a few days. What’s the whole atmosphere been like, and how have you settled?
"As I’ve said, it's weird, but now I’ve had a chance to train a few days in a row and get ready for tomorrow’s game, it’s been really good. I'm really enjoying it."
Take me back to the start of January when you came here. What was that process like, and the conversations with Steve Evans as well?
"It was pretty quick, to be honest. I knew I wanted to leave where I was. I knew it was my time to move on, and I wanted that move to be permanent.
"When I heard about the interest here and with the gaffer, I spoke to him a few times, came down to the training ground and saw the lads the next day. I was really pleased and impressed when I started to meet them."
You mentioned Steve there. Were there any players that you spoke with before that you would have played in your past?
"I played with Sparkesy at Peterborough for a short time. So I was texting him, and I gave him a call and spoke about what it’s like here, and it was all very positive. I would say it probably makes the decision easier. To know what it was like in and around the building with the squad and what it was like in general."
And from an outsider's perspective beforehand, what did you make of Bristol Rovers as a football club?
"I know it’s a massive Club. I played them last year in League One, and they shouldn’t be in League Two, definitely. The club’s huge, the facilities are great, the fans are unbelievable every week, and it's important we get back to where we belong."
You mentioned the fans there. How would you describe yourself as a player to them?
"I’d say I’m a box-to-box midfielder. I’m going to get about, good runner, good technically on the ball, and I’ll work hard for the team."
Are you looking forward to meeting them for the first time at the Mem as well?
"A hundred per cent. I was excited for the away game at Barrow, but at the same time, to get the debut at the Mem would be really good."
