Bristol Rovers have confirmed they received a “sizeable fee” from Doncaster Rovers for midfielder Isaac Hutchinson.
The 26-year-old completed a move to the Eco-Power Stadium earlier this week, signing a two-year contract with the option of a further season. Although the exact figure has not been disclosed, the deal is understood to be worth six figures.
Hutchinson had been made available for transfer by Bristol Rovers following a campaign in which he spent the majority of his time with Cheltenham Town. His performances at Whaddon Road attracted interest from League One, with two offers accepted before the midfielder chose to join Grant McCann’s side.
Bristol Rovers assistant manager Paul Raynor has now described the agreement as one which suited everyone involved, particularly after Hutchinson made clear his desire to return to the third tier.
“Absolutely, yeah. We got a sizeable fee for Isaac,” Raynor said when asked whether the transfer represented the best outcome for both parties.
“Doncaster have got a good player, had a good season with Cheltenham last year.
“Ultimately, Isaac wanted to play elsewhere, wants to play at a higher level, and I think you just hit the nail on the head, it’s best for both parties.
“He wants to be away. He wanted to test himself back in League One, so good luck to him.”
Hutchinson joined Bristol Rovers from Walsall in the summer of 2024 after the Gas triggered a clause in his contract. He had been named Walsall’s Player of the Year during his final campaign at the Bescot Stadium, having registered 12 league goals from midfield.
His first season in Bristol ended in relegation from League One, while opportunities became more limited during the opening months of the following campaign. After featuring in the first six league matches of 2025/26, he joined Cheltenham on loan at the beginning of September.
That move transformed his season. Hutchinson scored seven times in his first 14 appearances before being recalled by Bristol Rovers in January, only to return to Cheltenham the following month.
Across his two spells with the Robins, he finished the campaign with 18 goals in 36 appearances in all competitions. His league return stood at 15 goals from 34 outings, earning him a place in the League Two Team of the Season.
Despite those numbers, a long-term future at Bristol Rovers appeared unlikely. Hutchinson was one of seven players made available for either a permanent transfer or loan in May, clearing the way for interested clubs to make their approach.
The midfielder subsequently completed his move to Doncaster on Monday and joined his new teammates in training one day later. He could make his first appearance in their pre-season meeting with Harrogate Town on Saturday.
Hutchinson arrives with considerable EFL experience, having previously represented Southend United, Derby County, Forest Green Rovers, Crawley Town and Walsall. He has recorded 54 goals across 269 senior appearances in all competitions.
Doncaster will hope his outstanding Cheltenham form can be carried into League One, while Bristol Rovers can reinvest a useful transfer fee as Steve Evans continues rebuilding his squad for the new League Two campaign.
