Jack Sparkes has impressed in pre-season and is looking to help Bristol Rovers achieve their goals ahead of their 2025/26 Sky Bet League Two season opener against Harrogate Town at The Memorial Stadium.
The left-back started a busy summer for the Gas and was the first of nine new additions to Darrell Clarke's squad after moving from Peterborough United. He made 28 appearances for the Posh last term before moving on loan to Chesterfield Town for the second half of the season, helping them finish in the play-offs before losing in the semi-finals to Walsall.
He has featured regularly for the Pirates in pre-season and has appeared in all six games ahead of the new campaign, operating from left wing-back and delivering dangerous crosses.
It has been a busy period for the defender, but he is already settling into life at Rovers and playing under Clarke.
“It has been good,” said Sparkes. “A new group of lads to meet and settle with, but it’s been good.”
“I think working under the Gaffer was a big pull. I’ve played against his teams before, and they were hard to beat, quite attacking as well.”
An experienced operator across the EFL, he knows what success looks like after achieving two promotions in his career. He went up to Sky Bet League One with Exeter City in the 2021/22 season before helping Portsmouth gain promotion to the Sky Bet Championship in the 2023/24 campaign.
“It’s a tough league to get out of,” he said. “But we’re looking for a positive season, where we take in each game as it comes.
“We’re going to have low points this season, and definitely high points as well. We’ve got to stay quite level throughout the season and keep chipping away.
“Of course, you’re going to need a little bit of luck when things aren’t quite going your way, so it’s all about being level throughout the season.”
It’s not the first time at The Mem for Sparkes, having played there with the Grecians, and he’s excited for the Rovers fans to be on his side.
“I’ve had a little bit of stick from the fans, I’m sure, but it’ll be nice to have them on my side.”
Playing as a left wing-back, there is an expectation for Sparkes to get involved with the Rovers' attacks but also help with the defensive side of the game. Analysing his personal style, he enjoys helping out in the final third of the pitch, but knows the importance of keeping the ball out of the Pirates' net as well.
“I like to get forward, put crosses into the box and showcase my delivery, I guess,” said Sparkes. “Obviously, do both sides of the game, where it’s showing my defending as well.
“I think as a wing back you’re asked to do obviously both sides of the game, so my role will be defending the back post and be expected to get up to the other end of the pitch and add to the attack as well.”
Later speaking on clean sheets, he added, “I think that comes with any winning team. Even when you’re not playing well, if you can keep a clean sheet and maybe nick one at the end, that’s part of the winning mentality, I guess. Keep the ball out of the net and give yourself every chance at the other end of the pitch.”
