Bristol Rovers Women is thrilled to announce the signing of defender Chloe Bassett.
Bassett is a defender who brings a fresh perspective to the squad, coming into the club with previous stints at Plymouth Argyle, Watford, and Pucklechurch.
"The initial conversations with Nathan and the rest of the staff were extremely positive and it is evident that there has been a lot of work put in behind the scenes to drive the club forward which is exciting," she stated.
"The fact that the women will now play all of their home games at the Memorial Stadium and also use the same training facilities as the men is a massive step in the right direction.
"Access to injury prevention and injury support is also unmatched at this level so that was another big factor for me personally. Ultimately, I was excited by the opportunity at Bristol Rovers and look forward to getting the boots back on’
Chloe emphasised her preference for a strategic and composed approach to football. "I like playing in teams that keep and move the ball well, do the simple things and don’t force play, so I hope to bring this to the team.
"I also like the ideology of receiving and playing forward as a priority where possible, which is what Nathan is keen to achieve," she explained.
Chloe’s goals with Bristol Rovers are both personal and professional. She aims to share her experience and knowledge, especially with younger players who are just beginning their football careers.
"I think making a debut at the Memorial Stadium would also be pretty special so I hope to achieve that in the near future," she added. "I want to be a good team player overall, to support everyone both on and off the pitch to achieve their seasons goals".
Reflecting on her career, Chloe shared moments that have shaped her as a player. "Playing for Plymouth Argyle at 16 gave me my first exposure to women's football and made me determined and resilient.
"Signing my first semi-professional contract at Watford was also a significant milestone, which helped recognise how far I’d come and how far the women’s game had progressed," she noted.
"Playing in front of a crowd at the Mem is an incredibly exciting thought, because it’s so far away from when I started my career, playing in front of a few people on a grassroots pitch. Pressure and expectations are a privilege, and I look forward to meeting the fans soon," she shared.
Manager Nathan Hallett-Young expressed his excitement about Chloe joining the team.
"Chloe instantly impressed us in our trials and was a clear standout performer. She’s naturally defensive, calm, and collected on the ball, and does simple things right every time. Her range of passing is incredible and perfectly fits a gap we’ve been needing this season," he stated.
"Off the pitch, she’s another natural born leader who really wants to raise the vibe in the camp and push everybody on, ask questions and make sure everyone is doing the right thing. She’s a teacher by trade, and you can really see her impact on the younger members in the squad."
Nathan further emphasized Chloe’s impact off the pitch, praising her ability to raise the team's spirit and ensure everyone is on the right track. "She’s come out of her shell the last few weeks and gelled with the squad in training, always looking to bring the best out of everyone," he added.
"Chloe is such a nice person, you can tell she has played at a higher level. Her previous clubs tell the story!" he said.
We look forward to seeing her make a significant impact both on and off the field. Welcome to the team, Chloe!
