Bristol Rovers defender makes transfer exit to top-flight club
Cardiff Met have strengthened their squad with the signing of former Bristol Rovers defender Tom English following his departure from the club this summer.
English made his competitive debut for the Gas in the EFL Trophy against Tottenham Hotspur after regularly training with the first team and featuring in a pre-season friendly against Oxford United. He was also named among the substitutes for an FA Cup tie against Bromley, and a league game against Accrington Stanley.
That proved to be his only senior appearance for the EFL League Two side before leaving the Memorial Stadium this summer. During his time at Rovers, he also gained senior experience during a loan spell with Corsham Town, Taunton Town, and Bristol Manor Farm.
Bristol Rovers captain switches to Cymru Premier
Reflecting on his first-team involvement, English told the club’s official website: “It helped me a lot. It was a good experience. Obviously, when you’re in and around the first team, you learn a lot from the other players, and it gives you confidence when you’re playing.”
Cardiff Met have confirmed the 18-year-old has signed a three-year deal, keeping him at the club until the end of the 2028/29 season. Alongside his football commitments, he will also begin his studies at the university.
“I’m very confident as lectures are throughout the day and training is in the evening,” he said. “I feel like I can go to my lectures and study during the day and then train at night.”
Primarily a full-back, English is also capable of operating in midfield. Despite arriving at the club as an 18-year-old preparing to begin his university studies, English already brings leadership experience, having captained Bristol Rovers’ Under-18 side. He was a part of the Wiltshire Football Academy, and had been on the books of Rovers for nearly a decade.
“It was a good experience captaining the U18s and it taught me how to be a leader,” English added. “You get some things wrong and some things right as captain, so it helps you figure out how to lead a group.”
Cardiff Met re-sign former Exeter City defender
He becomes Cardiff Met’s fourth signing of the summer, following the arrivals of former Football League midfielder Aaron Wildig, Jack Veale from Plymouth Parkway and full-back Spencer Dymond-Hall.
Veale returned to Cardiff Met for a second spell after joining from Southern League Premier Division side Plymouth Parkway. The defender made more than 40 appearances during his previous stint with the Archers in the 2024/25 season.
“I’m coming in knowing most of the boys,” said Veale to the official club website. “There are a few new faces, but I know where most of the team play and what they’re like off the pitch.”
“I’ve also got experience of playing in the Cymru Premier, and that’s definitely not going to do any harm. Hopefully I can use that experience, along with everyone else’s in the group, to help us kick on this season.”
