AFC Bournemouth midfielder Sam Matthews became Bristol Rovers second signing of the summer when he today penned a contract with the club that will take effect from July 1.

Manager Darrell Clarke said he was delighted that Sam had agreed to the move, saying: “Sam is a very talented young player whose progress I have monitored for a while now.

“He has worked hard and, learnt a great deal, from his time at Bournemouth and, of course, during his loan spell at Eastleigh in the National League last season.

“We had to compete with a number of other clubs for his signature and I am delighted that he has chosen to join us “His arrival will intensify competition for first team places at the club and I look forward to working with him.”

Upon siging, Sam had this to say; "I was on loan at Eastleigh last season and played quite a lot of games in the National League and then had some interest from other clubs, Rovers being one of them.

"I met with Darrell Clarke over the summer, had a chat and as things progressed it's resulted in me signing today and I'm really happy to get it done.

"He told about the club itself, the squad the he has here and told me there's great spirit amongst the players."