Bristol Rovers is delighted to confirm the signing of defender Dan Ellison from Chippenham Town.
Ellison moves to The Memorial Stadium on an two-year deal from the National League South side, with the option of a further season, and becomes Rovers’ fourth signing of the summer.
A centre-back, Ellison played 30 times in the National League South last season for Chippenham Town, scoring four goals. The 19-year-old’s excellent run of form saw the defender called into the England ‘C’ team for the first time in May.
"I am delighted to have signed for Bristol Rovers,” Ellison said. ”The manager has outlined his plans for me, which have really fitted into what I wanted for the next stage in my career. That has made joining Bristol Rovers a really easy decision.
"This is my first professional contract in football, which is a proud moment for me, and the fact that it has come at such a big, historic and forward-thinking club with such a great fanbase like Rovers makes it even better. I can’t wait to get started and get to work."
Manager Matt Taylor welcomed Ellison to the Club and is looking forward to seeing his continued progression with Rovers.
Taylor said: “I am delighted to welcome Dan to Bristol Rovers. Dan has impressed on his journey in the National League so far and, at 19, has the potential to grow and develop even further.
“We are looking forward to working closely with Dan and helping him in his progression at the club. The local non league scene will also continue to be monitored closely as we look to grow links with all clubs near to the Bristol area.”
A product of the Chippenham Town Academy, Ellison spent time on loan with Devizes Town before playing for Calne Town under dual-registration terms. The dual registration permitted Ellison to continue playing for the Chippenham Academy during the 2022/23 campaign, a season which saw the side win both the league and the NFYL Cup.
The defender spent the first part of the 2023/24 season on loan with Westbury United, after making his competitive debut for Chippenham on the opening day of the campaign. He would return to the Bluebirds in late 2023 and slot into the senior side, scoring three goals in five outings across November.
Ellison’s fine form saw him continue in the starting XI for Chippenham, ending the season with 30 National League South showings. His efforts also saw the 19-year-old called into the England ‘C’ squad in May for the fixture with Nepal, becoming the first player in Chippenham Town history to be called up for England while representing the Club.
Everyone at Bristol Rovers would like to welcome Dan to the Club and wish him every success in the blue-and-white quarters.
