Tovide in, Chris Martin out; Bristol Rovers transfers we urge the club to make before February 3rd | OneFootball

With January presenting an opportunity to revitalise an otherwise stagnant Rovers season, we present two transfers that could do the job.

It has been an unusual 2024-25 season for Bristol Rovers thus far.

Their position of mid-table League One is nothing out of the ordinary, though the feeling among the fan base is wholeheartedly negative, implying performances have not been to the standard expected, and part of this mass frustration on the terraces is due to their inability to both create and finish chances.

During their midweek away tie versus Leyton Orient at the start of the month, the Gas failed to produce a shot on target for the second league fixture in a row. In fact, upon the conclusion of the aforementioned London tie, Taylor's side sat bottom of the league when it comes to shots on target per 90.

It is abundantly clear that, while the defensive side of things is adequate, something needs to be done going forward.

The rapidly depleting talents and fitness levels of forwards Scott Sinclair (35) and Chris Martin (36) are becoming an unavoidable issue. While understandable given their age, their consistent lack of energy is infectious among the entire squad in transition, an absolute dream for opposition defenders.

With January presenting an opportunity to revitalise an otherwise stagnant Rovers season, below are two transfers, one outgoing, one incoming, that should be heavily considered by the Pirates this winter.

In - Samson Tovide

Samson Tovide has been a Colchester first-team player since the age of 16, and while the promise has always been apparent, the 20-year-old is just now beginning to show his true colours at League Two Level.

A regular starter in Danny Cowley's side this season when fit, Tovide is showing signs of being a true 'do-it-all' striker, with an impressive tally of both goals and assists.

While finishing is an art he is yet to truly master, Tovide is strong, fast, possesses tremendous vision and has an advanced understanding of both hold-up and link-up play.

Turning 21 in January, the former Leyton Orient academy man has all the attributes, as well as time on his side, to be an elite EFL striker, and potentially beyond.

While it is impossible to know his preferences regarding relocation, it is safe to assume Tovide has one eye on the next stage in his career, as Colchester look unlikely to escape the fourth-tier this season.

With 18 months remaining on his contract, it will likely take a fee well-exceeding six figures to secure the Londoner's services. However, this could easily represent a bargain if his progression continues further.

Out - Chris Martin

It is important first to say, Chris Martin has undoubtedly been one of the EFL's greatest strikers over the course of his career.

Unfortunately for Bristol Rovers, injury and age have meant that the current iteration of Martin is an absolute shadow of his former self, with concerns over desire, and overall athletic mobility.

His lonely performances up front are not helped by the lack of creativity provided by the likes of Ruel Soitriou and Sinclair, making Martin a sitting duck for criticism.

The truth is, he seems for all the world to be done at League One level, and if that's not the case, definitely a few months off being fit enough for it.

With six months left on his contract, and an option to extend, his departure seems inevitable regardless. With this in mind, it may be time to offload him from the squad, if not only to lighten the wage bill.

Samson Tovide represents the antithesis of all the things that those at the Mem have found frustration in this season. While it is unclear whether Taylor will be back to work by February, the powers that be are urged to seriously consider this proposed swap.