Bristol Rovers: Darrell Clarke urged to sign "very solid" Tranmere Rovers man | OneFootball

FLW's Bristol Rovers fan pundit has given his verdict on which player he would like the club to sign this summer.

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

Bristol Rovers are preparing for life back in League Two following their surprise relegation from League One.

After a positive start to life under new head coach Inigo Calderon, Bristol Rovers sat nine points clear of the relegation zone in mid-March and looked well on course to secure safety.

However, a horror run of form that saw them pick up just one point from their final 10 games of the season dragged the Gas back into danger, and they were relegated with one game remaining, meaning they will return to the fourth tier after just three years away.

Calderon had indicated a desire to remain in charge at the Memorial Stadium next season despite relegation, but the Spaniard was sacked less than 24 hours after the final game of the campaign, and Darrell Clarke, who previously led Rovers to back-to-back promotions from the National League to League One, has returned to the club as his replacement.

While many Gas supporters are delighted by the appointment of Clarke, the 47-year-old and new Director of Football Ricky Martin are facing a big rebuild this summer, particularly after a host of senior players were released at the end of their contracts, including Matt Hall, Jack Hunt, Grant Ward, Luke McCormick, Romaine Sawyers, Jerry Lawrence, Scott Sinclair, Jevani Brown and Chris Martin.

Bristol Rovers told to launch Cameron Norman, Tranmere Rovers move

When asked which player he would realistically like the club to sign this summer, FLW's Bristol Rovers fan pundit Ziggy Carter urged the Gas to make a move for Tranmere Rovers defender Cameron Norman.

Norman scored three goals and provided three assists in 47 appearances for the Merseyside outfit this season to help them to a 20th-placed finish in League Two, but Ziggy believes the 29-year-old could be tempted to swap Prenton Park for the Memorial Stadium.

"One realistic signing I would love Bristol Rovers to make is Cameron Norman from Tranmere," Ziggy told FLW.

"I feel like we are lacking at right-back after releasing Jack Hunt and we don't really have a left-back.

"We have Bryant Bilongo, who was on loan at Harrogate, and we have Joel Senior, who hasn't really impressed, so I definitely think we need to bolster that position.

"My number one choice would be Cameron Norman.

"He got three assists last season and he looks very solid defensively.

"He won 62% of his tackles, 60% of his duels and just looks like such a solid player at the back, which is something I think we will need next season.

"After being under-par at the back this season, I think him bringing solidity on that right side would be such a blessing for this team.

"I think it would be a great opportunity for us to get a player from a Tranmere side who aren't doing great at the moment, so he could be a realistic signing for us."

Darrell Clarke factor could help Bristol Rovers seal Cameron Norman deal

Norman has been a consistent performer at League Two level in recent years for the likes of Walsall, Newport County, MK Dons and Tranmere, and in addition to his defensive attributes, he occasionally chips in with goals and assists, making him a potentially attractive option for Bristol Rovers.

After appointing Andy Crosby as manager on a permanent basis, Tranmere will be hoping that they can continue their improved form into next season, and Norman will likely remain an important part of their plans.

However, Norman worked with Clarke during his time in charge of Walsall in the 2020-21 season, so if the Gas were to come calling this summer, he may be tempted to reunite with his former manager at the Memorial Stadium.