Bristol Rovers boss Steve Evans has reiterated his comments that Shaq Forde will not be sold this summer.
The winger has reportedly been at the centre of a chase from an as-yet unknown League One club, who were reported to have had a ‘significant six-figure’ bid rejected last week.
Evans Shoots Down Future Chase
In the wake of that initial offer, Rovers boss Steve Evans stated that he would not consider selling Forde this window, with the 22-year-old becoming a pivotal part of their late-season resurgence last season.
Now, in the wake of the Pirates’ pre-season friendly win over Scottish Premiership side Dundee, the former Rotherham United boss remained steadfast in his stance that the former Leyton Orient man will remain at the Memorial Stadium.
Speaking to Bristol Live, he said:
“Not for sale. Simple. The Chairman just said to me, ‘What do you value him?’ And he told me the number, and I said it’s certainly a lot more than that, and I don’t want him to go.
“And he said, ‘The second part I’m listening to, don’t want him to go.’ Okay, talk to Shaq, and I did.
“So, yeah, Shaq, like, the rest of the group, is staying, and we’re more interested as our Chairman said this morning – ‘Are we strengthening?’
“We’re trying desperately to strengthen, but it’s always harder to put one or two little final pieces to the jigsaw, so it always takes a little bit more time because other clubs and good clubs are always interested.”
Forde Key To Success
Bristol Rovers have entrusted Steve Evans to see out a long-term project and bring the club back into League One, and selling any players viewed as crucial would be harmful to those hopes.
Shaq Forde has been revolutionised since the Scottish manager arrives at the Memorial Stadium, and following a late-season surge, has rightfully earned suitors from the third tier.
However, despite tempting offers, it seems that Steve Evans is not considering any potential approaches this summer, especially having already cashed in on the want-away Isaac Hutchinson.
Having already struck up a promising rapport with Jack Aitchison in their pre-season preparations, combined with a strike force of Fabrizio Cavegn and Promise Omochere, Rovers will have a dangerous attack which could help them contend at the very top of League Two.
