The club is delighted to announce that James Gibbons has signed for the Gas on a deal lasting until 2024.
The 24-year-old defender joins Rovers from fellow League One club Port Vale. James spent 13 years with the Burslem-based side after joining Port Vale in 2007 at the age of 11.
James played 111 times in total for the Valiants scoring three goals. James made his debut for Port Vale in a 1-1 draw with Yeovil Town in September 2017. In January 2020 James scored his first professional goal for Port Vale in a 2-1 defeat to Morecambe.
James featured for Port Vale in their visit to The Mem last December where he played the full ninety minutes in their 1-2 victory. James was also named in Port Vale's League Two play-off final starting XI by former Rovers manager Darrell Clarke in their comprehensive 3-0 victory against Mansfield Town at Wembley Stadium.
Gibbons - primarily employed as a right full-back or wing-back - said:
“I can’t wait to get started. I came through the youth set-up at Port Vale and, although they offered me a new deal, I was looking for a fresh challenge. I played at The Mem last season (in Vale’s 2-1 win against nine men) and, as well as the driving rain, I remember what a great atmosphere there was.”
Rovers boss Joey Barton added:
“We are really pleased to secure James’ signature. He has proved himself to be a strong, adaptable and versatile defender, who at just 24 years-of-age has excellent football league experience.
“He comes into our squad on the back of a superb promotion-winning season with Port Vale and, along with his football ability, his character and mind-set will be a real asset to our group.
“I am delighted to have him with us and we would all like to welcome him to Bristol Rovers.”