Romaine Sawyers joins Bristol Rovers until the end of the season
former brentford captain romaine sawyers signs for bristol rovers Credit: None
Bristol Rovers have secured the signing of experienced midfielder Romaine Sawyers on a contract that runs until the end of the season. The 33-year-old, who recently left AFC Wimbledon, becomes the Gas’ first addition in the January transfer window.
Sawyers, who will wear the No. 14 shirt, brings a wealth of experience from the Championship and League One to the Memorial Stadium. Reflecting on his move, Sawyers expressed his enthusiasm for the new chapter.
“It’s great to be here,” he said.
“I appreciate the opportunity that the club and the gaffer have given me, and I really want to repay that faith by putting in good performances between now and the end of the season.”
The midfielder highlighted the positive discussions he had with both head coach Iñigo Calderón and teammate George Friend.
“First and foremost, I’ve felt very wanted, and that’s such a big thing for me at this stage of my career,” he said.
“I want to play as many games as I can and I’m looking forward to playing in front of the Bristol Rovers fans at The Mem.”
Sawyers’ debut could come this weekend as Rovers face Ipswich Town in the FA Cup.
“We’ve got an amazing game this weekend, away at Ipswich Town, which is a really tasty first match for me to get my teeth into. I can’t wait to get going,” he added.
Head coach Calderón praised Sawyers' qualities, describing him as a significant addition to the team.
“Romaine’s qualities are known across the EFL and he has shown consistently what a fantastic player he is,” Calderón said.
“He brings not only his ability but also significant experience to our squad. We are excited to have him with us at the club.”
Born in Birmingham, Sawyers is a product of West Bromwich Albion’s academy and has enjoyed a distinguished career across several tiers of English football. Following loans to Port Vale, Shrewsbury Town, and Walsall, he joined the Saddlers permanently in 2013, making over 130 appearances and scoring 16 goals in League One.
His performances earned him a move to Championship side Brentford in 2016, where he became a key figure, racking up 127 league appearances and winning the Players’ Player of the Year award in 2017-18.
Sawyers also captained Brentford under Thomas Frank before returning to West Brom in 2019, where he helped the Baggies secure promotion to the Premier League.
Sawyers’ career also includes a loan spell at Stoke City and a season with Cardiff City before his short stint at Wimbledon. On the international stage, he has earned 49 caps for Saint Kitts and Nevis, scoring seven goals.
