Former Reading goalkeeper Luke Southwood will not face a return to Berkshire this year, dropping into League Two with Bristol Rovers.
The 27-year-old rose through the Academy with the Royals and made 30 appearances as well as spending four seasons out on loan.
Moving to Cheltenham Town permanently in 2023, the Northern Ireland international made 99 appearances for the Robins before leaving upon relegation to League Two.
Joining giants Bolton Wanderers last summer, Southwood made 26 appearances for the club last season, including a return to the SCL Stadium for a 1-0 defeat in February courtesy of a last-minute Harvey Knibbs penalty.
Deemed surplus to requirements by Ryan Lowe for this season, Southwood drops to the fourth tier with Bristol Rovers, following their relegation last season, for an undisclosed fee.
“I am buzzing,” Southwood told the club. “I’m really happy to get it done, and I can’t wait to get going.
“I’ve played against the Club loads of times over the last few years, and the fanbase is brilliant. You can feel the passion, and I just feel like it’s a Club that’s matching my ambition, and I want to get on board with it.”
Southwood links up with former Cheltenham boss Darrell Clarke at the Memorial Stadium as the Pirates look to immediately return to the third tier this season.
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