Former Sheffield United midfielder Paul Coutts is to be released by Bristol Rovers this summer. Coutts, a key member of the Blades side that won the League One title in 2017 under Chris Wilder, will leave the Gas when his current contract expires at the end of June.
Coutts played a vital role in the Gas securing promotion to League One last season. But the 34-year-old, who joined the club in the summer of 2021 and had been club captain, has not played since February due to knee issues.
Rovers boss Joey Barton recently indicated that Coutts might stay at the club as part of his coaching staff. Our sister title Bristol Live understands that still remains an option for the Scot but an agreement has yet to be reached between all parties.
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Coutts has made 68 appearances for the Gas, scoring one goal and registering five assists. As well as Coutts, Harry Anderson and Calum Macdonald will also leave the club next month.
Macdonald was on a short-term deal and Barton recently made it clear that Anderson would not be retained. Macdonald found first team football hard to come by, making just four appearances.
Veteran midfielder Alex Rodman has called time on his career, having failed to make a single appearance this season. Ex-Sheffield Wednesday midfielder Glenn Whelan has taken up a permanent coaching role while Anssi Jaakkola has been offered a full-time position as goalkeeping coach.
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