It was a no-brainer to join Rovers – Harbottle

RILEY Harbottle says it was a "no-brainer" to join Bristol Rovers, while Kane Thompson-Sommers is "very excited" to link up with the Memorial Stadium club.

- WILL MURRAY

Riley Harbottle, front, in action for Wimbledon

(Carl Recine/Getty Images)

Rovers yesterday signed defender Harbottle on a two-and-a-half-year contract, while Thompson-Sommers, a midfielder, has joined the club on loan until the end of the season.

Harbottle, 25, who arrives from Wimbledon, told Rovers club media: "I'm delighted to be at Bristol Rovers. Coming to a club of this size is a no-brainer. I think it’s a big opportunity for me to go and build on what I did last season.

“I think the manager has tried to sign me a few times, so knowing that I am wanted was a big thing after not playing as much this season, after a really successful one last year."

Rovers boss Steve Evans added: "Both Riley's dad and his uncle played for me back in my early days as a manager, so there’s always been that connection with the Harbottle family, and I've always monitored Riley’s career. As a family they are fantastic people.