Bristol Rovers is pleased to announce the signing of defender Joel Senior from Morecambe, subject to FA and EFL ratification.
The 25-year-old moves to The Memorial Stadium on an two-year deal, with the option of a further year, from the Sky Bet League Two side, and becomes Rovers’ sixth signing of the transfer window. He follows Isaac Hutchinson, Clinton Mola, Ruel Sotiriou, Bryant Bilongo and Dan Ellison to joining the Club.
The right-back has signed for Rovers after spending the 2023/24 campaign with the Shrimps, a season in which Senior made 50 appearances in all competitions.
“I’m delighted to sign with Bristol Rovers,” Senior said. “When I first heard about the chance of coming to Rovers, I wanted to jump at the opportunity. This is a big Club with a superb fanbase, and has everything a footballer would want.
“From the outside looking in, I could see how big of a Club this is. Since I’ve come in and been around the training ground, you can see what a top facility this is and all the coaches and staff here are brilliant as well. As a footballer, you honestly can’t ask for anything more.
“I’ve been told about the Club’s ambitions and how they align with the manager’s vision, and I can’t wait to help fulfill those targets. I’m glad to be here and I can’t wait to get going.”
Manager Matt Taylor welcomed Senior to the Club and is looking forward to working with the full-back.
Taylor said: “We are delighted to welcome Joel to Bristol Rovers. Joel has showcased his energy, fitness and talent at full-back in recent seasons and I am looking forward to seeing what he can bring to our squad.
“Having just turned 25, Joel still has the best years of his career ahead of him and I am confident he will get even better with us.”
Having started his career in Oldham Athletic’s Academy, Senior played for Hough End, Maine Road and F.C. United of Manchester as a youngster before signing with Curzon Ashton in February 2019, making ten appearances in the National League North.
The defender’s form earned the attention of then-Premier League side Burnley, who signed Senior on a 12-month deal for the 2019/20 campaign. Featuring extensively for the Claret’s U21s side, Senior would depart a year later and join Altrincham.
The youngster would become a regular in the Robins’ side, playing 64 times in all competitions and earning a transfer to Carlisle United 18 months later. He would play 21 times for Carlisle, including 17 appearances in League Two and three in the League Two play-offs, helping the team achieve promotion back to League One for the first time since the 2013/14 season.
Senior would join Morecambe for the 2023/24 campaign, featuring 43 times in League Two, providing four assists and scoring in a 3-2 win away to Sutton United in October.
Everyone at Bristol Rovers would like to welcome Joel to the Club and wish him every success for his career in the blue-and-white quarters.
