After a troublesome 2025/26 season, Bristol Rovers have managed to pull themselves away from any relegation threat, largely due to the positive effect that manager Steve Evans has had on his players.
Rovers currently find themselves 15th in the table, winning six matches on the bounce and have lost just once since February 21st – coming against league leaders Bromley.
With the club’s threat of relegation now dissolved, attention can begin to turn to the summer transfer window, especially following confirmation that Evans has taken on the managerial role on a permanent basis.
As such, one potential target has been identified for the summer, though it appears likely that Bristol Rovers will face competition to sign him at the end of the season.
Bristol Rovers eye possible free agent swoop
At the end of every season, clubs across the country lose players when their contracts expire. Sometimes these players have had tough seasons and drop down divisions, whilst you also get instances of players from the league below making the step up after strong seasons.
The latter appears likely this summer when it comes to Wealdstone’s Dom Hutchinson, who has taken on a standout role for the club during the current season, including helping to guide the club to Wembley Stadium next month for the FA Trophy final.
According to a report from Football League World, Hutchinson is the subject of interest from League Two side Bristol Rovers as well as their division rivals Gillingham.
Hutchinson is out-of-contract at the end of the 2025/26 season and is yet to extend his stay with the Stones, despite playing an integral role this campaign.
In the National League itself, the 24-year-old has contributed to seven goals for the Stones, as they find themselves 12th in the table with just two games to go.
Is Hutchinson ready for the EFL?
Unlike a lot of players in the National League, Hutchinson is an individual that hasn’t yet featured in the EFL, though he did come through the Academy system with Championship side Watford.
After struggling for minutes in campaigns prior, Hutchinson spent time on loan with St. Albans City in the National League South last season – and the impressive nature of that spell saw him return to Wealdstone and compete for minutes immediately.
The 24-year-old scored on Wealdstone’s first game of the 2025/26 season, where he appeared as a forward off the bench – which could be a boost for Bristol Rovers and other potential suiters.
After beginning as a forward, Hutchinson has since dropped back to a winger/wing-back role for Gary Waddock’s side, continuing to impress.
Bristol Rovers currently use a 3-4-1-2 system, which is identical to Wealdstone, and that sense of familiarity could allow for someone like Hutchinson to make an immediate impression in the EFL next season.
Wealdstone narrowly avoided relegation from the National League last season, but their form has also been shown through their players. The likes of Hutchinson, Micah Obiero and Nathan Tshikuna have all had successful individual seasons in front of goal, which have all contributed to Wealdstone’s improvement.
Whether he is ready for the step-up remains to be seen, but given the possible familiarity of systems, his current form and his age – there is a likelihood that the 24-year-old can excel in League Two next season.
