NafisaA former Aston Villa and Celtic standout who was teammates with Callum McGregor for four years at Parkhead has been let go by his current team following relegation.
Scott Sinclair has been with Bristol Rovers, where he began his career, since 2022 and was appointed captain. It’s been a challenging season for The Gas, and they have been demoted to League Two in the EFL after placing 22nd out of 24 in the third tier, with head coach Iñigo Calderón losing his position as a result.
Sinclair is now one of nine players released, while former Scotland international Chris Martin stays on amid recovery from injury.
The winger is cherished at Celtic after scoring 62 goals with 34 assists in 167 matches, securing 11 trophies, including four Premiership titles, and has also played for Aston Villa, Preston North End, Man City, and others in his extensive career.
Scott Sinclair let go by Bristol Rovers:
This season, the 36-year-old forward has appeared 45 times, netting three goals and providing one assist.
A statement from the club reads: “Following an extensive and thorough review of the Club’s footballing operation, Bristol Rovers FC can confirm the following: As confirmed on Sunday morning, Men’s head coach Iñigo Calderón and Miguel Llera have departed their respective positions.
“In addition, nine players who are out of contract will be leaving Bristol Rovers when their respective deals expire this summer. Captain Scott Sinclair will leave after two-and-a-half seasons back with the Pirates, while midfielders Grant Ward, Luke McCormick, Romaine Sawyers, and Jerry Lawrence will also depart. Defender Jack Hunt, attacker Jevani Brown, and goalkeeper Matt Hall will all leave Rovers at the end of their respective two-year spells with the Club.
“Chris Martin’s contract with Rovers also expires at the end of the season, but the striker will remain with the Club to continue his rehabilitation from a knee injury sustained in March. The Club can confirm that an option for a one-year extension has been triggered in James Wilson’s contract.
“The centre-back has been a near ever-present for Rovers since joining in 2023, making 79 appearances in all competitions. Finally, six players loaned to Bristol Rovers for the 2024/25 season – Lino Sousa, Gatlin O’Donkor, Matt Butcher, Sil Swinkels, Michael Reindorf, and Myles Roberts – will return to their parent clubs.”
Former Celtic and Aston Villa player’s release reasons:
Director of Football Ricky Martin said: “On behalf of Bristol Rovers I would like to express my gratitude to each of the players and staff who are moving on from the Club this summer. Each goes with our collective best wishes for the future. The hard work is already underway in terms of our preparations for the 2025/26 season, including a comprehensive recruitment process for both our coaching department and first-team squad. While we are all experiencing the pain of our confirmed relegation, we are channelling that energy into ensuring our team and Club is in the best possible position ahead of our first League Two fixture in August.”
The club added: “Bristol Rovers would like to place on record our sincere thanks to those individuals departing the Club at the end of the season and wish them all every success in their future careers.”
Nafisa
