Bristol Rovers are reportedly closing in on signing 33-year-old free agent Romaine Sawyers, according to the South London Press. The Kittitian midfielder spent the first four months of the league season as a free agent, having been released from Cardiff last summer, though has played his way out of obscurity since joining AFC Wimbledon in early December on a one-month contract.
Playing just 199 minutes for the Wombles, Sawyers signed off his short tenure in South London with a late winner against Newport County on January second. The move to the League Two side represented a significant step-down, as the former West Brom and Brentford man boasts over 200 Championship appearances.
Given his relative pedigree and experience, the purported Bristol move could be a considerable coup for Iñigo Calderón's side. Sawyers has expressed his desire to ‘pursue a new challenge.’ While Wimbledon's acquisition of Sawyers had always promised to be an exceedingly temporary affair, fans were perhaps surprised by the abruptness with which he had departed the club after fitting in well during his short stay.
The sequence of events, though not necessarily disingenuous, suggests his plan was always to play himself back onto the radar for Championship and League One clubs as soon as the transfer window opened. A statement from the Dons’ club website read, "The Club can confirm Romaine Sawyers has departed to pursue a new challenge. This follows negotiations between the midfielder and the Dons following the expiry of Romaine’s previous one-month contract. Romaine made five appearances during his time at Wimbledon, scoring in his final game in our recent 2-1 win over Newport County. Everyone at the club thanks Romaine for his efforts during his time at Cherry Red Records Stadium and wishes him all the best for the future."
Seemingly leaving the club amicably, and with performances validating the belief he remains too good for the fourth tier, Bristol Rovers supporters will be praying this 'new challenge' sees him at the Quarters within the week.
What can Sawyers bring to Bristol Rovers? One of the most experienced active EFL midfielders, Romaine Sawyers signifies a substantial boost to the Pirates' current options in the middle of the park. His versatility could be his most valuable quality; he has been known to play anywhere from centre-forward to defensive midfield, which is where he has commonly featured as he progressed through his 30s.
If his Championship-level fitness and ability have truly returned following his stint at Wimbledon, he is poised to displace and improve upon one of the usual midfield pair of Grant Ward or Jamie Lindsay. An exciting proposition under unusual circumstances, Sawyers' arrival could be the catalyst Rovers need to escape from relegation contention.
Former AFC Wimbledon midfielder Romaine Sawyers is expected to sign for League One side Bristol Rovers, as understood by the South London Press. The 33-year-old joined the Dons on a one-month contract back in December, but it was confirmed earlier this week on Monday he had left Plough Lane to “pursue a new challenge.” Capped 49 times by Saint Kitts and Nevis, Sawyers also made five appearances for Wimbledon and scored his last game – the aforementioned win over Newport County.
The Gas are currently 20th in League One and five points above the drop zone, having recently appointed former Brighton defender Iñigo Calderón as their new boss on a two-and-a-half-year deal. Bristol Rovers Live's correspondent confirmed interest earlier, adding, "His experience will be invaluable to Bristol Rovers and will help mentor the younger players."
With just five players over the age of 30, Rovers are significantly youthful, and Sawyers could provide the needed experience to steer the club clear of relegation worries. Following Jake Garrett's return to parent club Blackburn Rovers last week, Rovers are slightly light in midfield, with it being prioritized for strengthening as the transfer window opens.
Kamil Conteh’s expected return from injury is still unclear after sustaining a mysterious issue, putting pressure on the club to bolster their midfield. Sawyers has not participated in any FA Cup games this season, meaning he might be available for Rovers' tie against Ipswich Town on Sunday, should the deal go through punctually.