Matt Taylor reveals bullish motivation behind Bristol Rovers departure | OneFootball

Bristol Rovers manager Matt Taylor has outlined his decision with regard to the future of Josh Grant, who was released by the Gas as they announced their retained list for the 2023-24 season.

The 42-year-old Bristol Rovers manager has told of his admiration for Grant but has spoken of how, even though Grant has had a good run of games this season – the manager just doesn’t have enough to give him confidence that he will be available when needed to be called upon.

In his end of season review with the Bristol Rovers media team, Taylor said: "Josh Grant is a player I rate, and I said that to him. And it sounds so strange to say that to a player you’re releasing, but his playing availability has kind of hampered him. When I wasn’t here at the club last season, there was a serious side to the injury he had. I think he had an operation on both knees."

Grant has had an unfortunate time with injuries at the Gas which have hampered his ability to stay fit and available for a Bristol Rovers club with high ambition. Although being more available for this season's campaign, his now former manager revealed that it had still been a tricky time keeping him fit.

Grant can have fantastic career

Taylor said: "His availability has been so much better this season, but even when we’ve tried to get him on the pitch for longer and more consistently, his body has just broken down."

Also in his comments, Taylor did express a profound disappointment at letting such a talented player go: "It’s a real shame for him because he’s a talented, talented player, and he’ll go on to a fresh environment and a new beginning, and I’m sure his body will feel totally different. He won’t have the mental scars where he’s been hampered by injuries, and I’m sure he will go on to have a fantastic career in the game."

Grant, after all, only signed a new contract in May last year – a deal which also included an option for a further year. Ultimately, though, Rovers have decided not to take up that option, as it seems he has fallen foul to an outlook from the Bristol Rovers boss which seeks to ensure he has a more reliable squad of players to select from next term.

Gasheads in agreement with Taylor

Gasheads do seem to be in agreement with Matt Taylor's decision, with many saying Grant's injury record speaks for itself.

After five years at the club, Grant just wasn’t able to keep his body healthy. Successive managers continued to show faith in his abilities, but he just couldn’t get a consistent run to show that Chelsea pedigree which saw him win youth medals both domestically and in Europe.

His goals show that he can be a threat going forward as well as an option for almost any position across the defence. He will therefore likely draw interest from clubs willing to take a chance on a player of Grant's quality, but he will have to ensure he manages his body well. Should he do that, he will, for sure, still have plenty to offer at this level.