How has the season gone, and what lies ahead, for the players returning to Rovers after their loan spells away?

Joe Hilton (Ross County)

How the season has gone: The ‘keeper made an emergency loan switch to Fleetwood Town in January after recovering from an injury that had seen him fail to make an appearance in the first half of the season. Played three times for the Cod Army before being sent to Ross County where he was an unused substitute in 13 matches.

What the future holds: Signed a new deal just before being loaned out in January, one of five goalkeepers Rovers have under contract for next season. Jordan Eastham and Antonis Stergiakis shared the No.1 spot for the Under-23s this season, and Rovers will likely look to loan two out, and keep another as back-up for Thomas Kaminski and Aynsley Pears.

 

Tyler Magloire (Motherwell)

How the season has gone: Enjoyed an impressive spell at Hartlepool United in the first half of the season, the National League side keen to extend his stay after 10 appearances. However, Motherwell made a move for him late on deadline day, and after enduring a tough start, the team shipping seven goals in his first two games, he’s been a regular for much of his time in the Scottish Premiership, playing 11 times.

What the future holds: Has another year on his deal, but it is now two years since last making a first-team appearances. Injuries haven’t helped his cause, but a move to Motherwell was a big step-up, one he looks to have adjusted to well. Appears to have fallen behind Carter in the pecking order however, so could be considered for another move, with Motherwell understood to be keen.

 

Charlie Mulgrew (Fleetwood Town)

How the season has gone: Was never likely to be part of Rovers’ plans, but it wasn’t until deadline day in October that the League One side agreed a satisfactory deal. Mulgrew was a near ever present from then on, playing 23 times before the end of February where an Achilles injury ended his season, returning to Scotland before the season had finished.

What the future holds: Announced his departure from Rovers after five years at the club, but has made just two appearances since the summer of 2019. Now 35, Mulgrew has already stressed his desire to play on until he’s 40, but it seems his next move could well be north of the border, with Championship side Partick Thistle linked.

 

Joe Grayson (Oxford United)

How the season has gone: Returned after a year on the sidelines to feature for the Under-23s on eight occasions, as well as making the Rovers matchday squad for the November win over QPR. He was allowed to leave on loan in January, with Oxford United making a move for the 22-year-old. Has managed just 81 minutes of League One football in his four appearances, with two more coming in the EFL Trophy, while he hasn’t made the matchday squad for the last seven fixtures.

What the future holds: Announced his departure on social media, his 15-year association with Rovers coming to an end after just two senior appearances. Has time on his side at 22, and has had two spells in the EFL, so is unlikely to be without a club for long, but needs to rebuild after a difficult spell.

 

Hayden Carter (Burton Albion)

How the season has gone: Was runner-up in the Brewers’ player of the season vote after his contribution in his 24 appearances. Scored four times, including on his debut, as Burton enjoyed a superb turnaround in form to pull themselves off the bottom of the table and clear of trouble. The central defender made one substitute appearance for Rovers in the first half of the campaign.

What the future holds: Tony Mowbray has said he will assess the 21-year-old and his development, along with the fitness of Daniel Ayala and Scott Wharton, will have an impact on where Rovers go with their defensive recruitment. If he stays, would likely be third choice to start with, but if Rovers bring a new defender in, expect another loan move to follow, of which there will be no shortage of interest.

 

Harry Pickering (Crewe Alexandra)

How the season has gone: Became a Rovers player in January after catching the eye for Crewe, with a loan back deal agreed with the Gresty Road club. Has since played every minute for the Alex in their 23 fixtures, and continued to captain Dave Artell’s men.

What the future holds: Will be expected to start the season as Rovers’ first choice left back, making the step up to Championship football. Has signed a long-term deal with Rovers who have high hopes for him. 

 

Tom White (Hartlepool United)

How the season has gone: Started at Bolton, making 14 appearances, but soon found himself out of the side before a mid-season switch to the National League with Hartlepool United. Started eight of his first 11 matches with the club, but drifted out of the picture as the play-offs, of which his loan deal didn’t include, drew near.

What the future holds: Has had two spells in the National League, after a mixed time with Bolton, and at 24, needs to be playing regularly, so will see what’s on the open market for him this summer after leaving Rovers. Hartlepool haven’t ruled out making a move.

 

Brad Lyons (Morecambe)

How the season has gone: Was ready for a January move after a successful time in the Under-23s, in which he appeared in two Rovers matchday squads, and he’s slotted in well at Morecambe, albeit a spell interrupted by contracting coronavirus. Has started five matches, making a further nine appearances from the bench, and been a regular in the squad under Derek Adams.

What the future holds: Will leave Rovers after three years, but not before a play-off final with Morecambe on Monday. His attitude and attributes will stand him in good stead of earning a deal elsewhere, possibly in the EFL, or north of the border.

 

Harry Chapman (Shrewsbury Town)

How the season has gone: Started the Carabao Cup tie against Doncaster, before coming off the bench in four of Rovers’ first five games. But he would feature just once more, despite making the squad on a further four occasions. His impact for the Under-23s ,scoring twice and clocking up four assists, was enough to Shrewsbury Town come calling in January. That worked out well for all parties, the winger, playing a central role for the Shrews, with seven goals and three assists in his 16 starts and seven substitute appearances.

What the future holds: With no option in his contract, Rovers will need to agree a new deal with Chapman if he’s to stay. Now at 23, Chapman will want to use the momentum built up on the back of his successful loan spell, so will consider his options, and think carefully whether staying with Rovers, where he is yet to make a Championship start, is the right move. His future is up in the air as things stand.  

 

Jack Vale (Rochdale)

How the season has gone: An injury in pre-season, and then on his return to action for the Under-23s in November, meant it wasn’t until January that he completed 90 minutes. After a goal and an assist at Leicester City, he was then loaned to League One Rochdale, but made their squad on just five occasions, and only managed 44 minutes of action across three substitute appearances.

What the future holds: Was loaned to Barrow last season, only to see that cut short by coronavirus, and there was some surprise to see him get a chance in League One after limited game-time in the first half of the season. That hasn’t worked out, and key to his development will be game-time. With Rovers holding him in high regard, it will need to be a carefully considered decision what to do next.