Bristol Rovers manager Steve Evans believes Kofi Balmer will be back at the club next season. Balmer has returned to Motherwell following his loan spell with Rovers. Evans stated that he is “confident” about Balmer’s return.
Evans Praises Balmer’s Impact
Balmer, aged 25, previously played for Port Vale and AFC Wimbledon while on loan from Crystal Palace. He then moved to Motherwell in 2024. Evans said Balmer had been “nothing short of exceptional” during his time with Bristol Rovers.
Balmer played every minute of all but one league game during his loan spell. Evans told BBC Radio Bristol’s Having a Gas that the club’s chief executive and chairman have been in dialogue with Motherwell. He added that Motherwell have been “fantastic to deal with”.
Evans noted Balmer had minimal game time with Motherwell before joining Bristol Rovers. “When he’s got into his run of games and his second wind and training every day and with the tempo to play the games, he’s been nothing short of exceptional for us,” Evans said.
Evans added, “We signed the lad who had been an international, who had come away from the international scene, Kofi has played in the last six or eight weeks like a full international player for Bristol Rovers.” He believes Balmer will regain international status if he rejoins the club.
Smallwood Offered a Deal, Harrison Extends
Midfielder Richie Smallwood, who was also on loan with the club from Tranmere, has been offered a deal to return. The 35-year-old played in 15 games for the Pirates after joining on deadline day. Smallwood is out of contract this summer with Tranmere.
“We have put something to Richie – an offer – and he’s considering that this weekend with his family,” Evans said.
Centre-forward Ellis Harrison has signed a one-year contract extension. An option had been taken up in defender Joel Senior’s contract to keep him through 2026-27. Senior has also been offered an improved deal going beyond next season.