RORY GAFFNEY HAS joined Bristol Rovers from Cambridge for an undisclosed fee following a successful loan spell at the club, it has been confirmed.
The former Mervue United and Limerick striker, who scored five goals in seven games during his prolific recent loan stint, had been in limbo after returning to Cambridge.
Long-term injuries limited Gaffney’s chances at his previous club, but the 26-year-old striker has impressed since his move to Bristol.
And the player, who is a former PFAI First Division Player of the Year Award winner, has already endeared himself to his new club’s fans, who have dubbed him ‘the Ginger God’.
Moreover, with Rovers currently fifth in League Two — seven places above Cambridge — the move appears to be a step up for the Tuam native.
“I didn’t want to go (back to Cambridge), especially after being told I could stay here,” Gaffney told BRFC.
“I’d never been on loan before, it’s a step into the unknown, but I couldn’t have asked for much more from it.”
Bristol Rovers manager Darrell Clarke, in an interview with the club’s official website, added:
It goes without saying that I am very pleased to welcome Rory back to the Memorial Stadium on a permanent basis.
“I’ve been unable to say anything about the situation since he returned to his parent club as he was a Cambridge United player and it would have been disrespectful to speak about another club’s player.
I did say, when he joined us on loan, that he would give us a different option in attack and I think he proved that during his short time with us.
“Now I look forward to working with him again and I know that he will be welcomed back by the whole squad as we prepare for some very important matches.”
