Bristol Rovers is delighted to announce the signing of midfielder Isaac Hutchinson from EFL League Two side Walsall.
Hutchinson joins the Gas from the Saddlers on a three-year deal, with the option of a further season, and becomes the Club’s first signing of the summer.
A creative and versatile midfielder, Hutchinson has impressed during his two seasons with Walsall and was in outstanding form throughout the 2023/24 campaign, playing in every league match for the side while scoring 12 goals and providing eleven assists.
The talented playmaker now brings his ability to BS7 ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.
“I am really happy to be here at Bristol Rovers,” the 24-year-old said. “I’ve had really good conversations with the manager and everyone at the Club, and I’m delighted to join.
“I’ve always known Bristol Rovers is a big club. I’ve played at The Memorial Stadium before and the home fans always create an incredible atmosphere. Things like that, as well as the conversations I’ve had, have made it clear to me that the Club is moving upwards.
“Everything here is positioned around moving forwards, improving across the board, and it’s exciting to join the Club and be a part of it.”
Manager Matt Taylor welcomed Hutchinson to the Club and is looking forward to working with the newest acquisition.
“We are delighted to bring Isaac to Bristol Rovers,” Taylor said. “Isaac has proven his ability over the last two seasons with Walsall and, at 24, has even further he can go in terms of his development.
“Isaac will bring even more energy and passion to our midfield and I am looking forward to working closely with him in the coming season and beyond.”
Born in Eastbourne, Hutchinson began his footballing career with Ratton Rangers before joining Brighton & Hove Albion’s Academy at ten years old. After eight years with the Seagulls, the midfielder completed a transfer to Southend United in 2018 and scored on his debut, in an EFL Trophy win over Cambridge United.
Hutchinson spent two years with Southend before signing for then-EFL Championship side Derby County. He made his debut for the Rams in an FA Cup clash with Chorley before joining Forest Green Rovers on loan for the remainder of the 2020/21 season.
The midfielder’s league debut for Derby came on the opening day of the 2021/22 season, in a 1-1 draw with Huddersfield Town, and scored his first goal for the Club in an EFL Cup clash with Salford City.
Another loan spell followed, this time with Crawley Town, before signing for Walsall ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.
Hutchinson made a blistering start to life at the Poundland Bescot Stadium, scoring eight goals and providing seven assists in his debut campaign with the Saddlers. The midfielder would better both tallies in a sensational 2023/24 season, scoring 12 goals and providing eleven assists across all competitions; a run of form that saw the playmaker named the Supporters’ Player of the Season.
Everyone at Bristol Rovers would like to welcome Isaac to the Club and wish him every success for his career in the blue-and-white quarters.
