Joe Ledley eyes Bristol Rovers contract after training with Gas

Former Wales international Joe Ledley is training with League One side Bristol Rovers with the hope of signing a contract with the club.

As Ledley is a free agent he would be allowed to sign for the Gas, despite the transfer window being closed.

According to Bristol Live, the 34-year-old watched on from the stands as Bristol Rovers beat promotion chasers Portsmouth 3-1 on Tuesday night.

The former Cardiff City and Celtic player has been without a club since he left A-League side Newcastle Jets in August 2020.

During his time down under Ledley played six times for the Jets but opted not to renew his deal due to his family not being allowed to travel with him to New South Wales.

He is now training with the English side and is believed to have impressed the coaching staff at the club, during his short time on the training ground. 

The Cardiff-born midfielder has enjoyed a successful playing career for both club and country, playing over 200 games for his boyhood club and donning the Wales shirt 77 times.

His last cap for Wales was in Los Angeles during a friendly against Mexico in 2018 and has not officially called an end to his international career, although a spot in Wales’ Euro 2020 squad seems increasingly unlikely.  

Although a deal has not yet been signed, Bristol Rovers remain hopeful that they can reach an agreement with the midfielder after Abu Ogogo and Josh Barrett picked up injuries after the January transfer window shut.

Rovers caretaker manager and director of football Tommy Widdrington has admitted that the club are actively exploring the free agent market

He said: “We keep trying to turn over rocks and find things that other people wouldn’t find, but that’s a difficult thing to do.

“With contacts and historical knowledge, we’re aware of one or two people who may be available to us, but it’s got to be the right fit.

“It’s an option we’ll keep open. If the managerial situation changes, then that person will have a say in that.”

(Featured Image: Steindy)