The players that will leave Bristol Rovers on a free this summer unless contracts are renewed

Bristol Rovers are looking at a potential promotion to League One this year – and they won’t be thinking about anything else until they know if a spot in the third tier is secure or not.

The club are currently fifth in the League Two standings and will be thinking about progressing through the play-offs and ending up back in League One.

There’s also still a chance that they could sneak up into the automatic promotion spots too – and until they know where they will be playing their football next year, they likely won’t make any decisions about player contracts.

However, Joey Barton faces a real squad reshuffling this summer – and there could be plenty of players heading into the free agent market.

Glenn Whelan

He might be 38-years-old but Whelan has been instrumental for the club this season, with 38 League Two appearances and two assists along the way.

He’s been a reliable face in the centre of the field for them since joining in the summer – but considering where he is at in his career, he might not pen an agreement beyond the summer. As of yet, there is no new contract on the table it appears.

Sam Nicholson

The 27-year-old has been massive for Joey Barton’s side this season, with 32 outings producing five goals and four assists in the league. He’s versatile, can score and has excellent vision too.

He’s a player they probably won’t want to lose – but his current deal will run out in the summer and that could lead to him potentially leaving the club for absolutely nothing.

Leon Clarke

Clarke was signed as an option in attack back at the beginning of the season and he’s been just that, allowing Barton to use him in rotation.

He’s only had ten League Two appearances though so far and has produced two goals. He’s mainly had