Bristol Rovers manager Steve Evans is confident that centre-back Kofi Balmer will be back at the club next season following his loan spell. Balmer has returned to parent club Motherwell having signed for the Gas in January and went on to play every minute of all but one league game.

What happened?

The 25-year-old has also played for Port Vale and AFC Wimbledon while on loan from Crystal Palace, before moving to the Scottish Premiership side in 2024.

Bristol Rovers arrived at this point having had a mixed season, with a league standing of 14th in League Two, 62 pts, 19W-5D-22L from 46 games, and a recent form of DWWWW.

Why it matters for Bristol Rovers

Evans said he had been nothing short of exceptional during his time at the club. The key statistic is that Balmer played in every minute of all but one league game for the Gas.

What comes next?

Midfielder Richie Smallwood, who similarly spent the second half of this season on loan with the club from Tranmere, has also been offered a deal to return. | Stat | Value | | --- | --- | | League standing | 14th in League Two | | Recent form | DWWWW | | Goals this season | 56 scored, 65 conceded |

Centre-forward Ellis Harrison has also signed a one-year contract extension while an option had been taken up in defender Joel Senior's contract to keep him through 2026-27, who has also been offered an improved deal going beyond next season. As of 26 Jun 2026, the club is looking to build on their recent form, with the last result being Notts County 1-1 Bristol Rovers on 2026-05-02.