Inigo Calderon has insisted that Bristol Rovers aren’t going to bring players in “just because we are losing” as the Gas suffered a second 2-0 away defeat in the space of four days at Charlton Athletic on Tuesday night.
After recording back-to-back wins over Cambridge United and Barnsley, Rovers have lost their last two away at Wigan Athletic and Charlton which has seen strong calls from supporters to sign players before the window closes resurface.
The Gas have until 11pm on Monday to complete any remaining business with their position in the League One table even more concerning having fallen back to within just four points clear of the relegation zone.
As things stand, experienced midfielder Romaine Sawyers on a deal until the end of the season is the club’s sole signing this month but they are understood to be confident of making arrivals before the end of the window.
Asked for the latest on transfer activity post-match, Calderon said: “It’s not because of our results that we’re going to get crazy about that. I’ve been saying from the first day of the market that if something is coming in it’s because it’s better than what we already have. I’m not going to bring players in just because we’re losing. If they are better, then yes. If not, then I don’t think [they] will come.
“Someone who is doing really well is not going to come to us. That’s normal and that’s why it’s a bit tricky and why if we bring someone in, they have to add quality to the group.”
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Bristol Live understands that Cardiff City striker Kion Etete was identified as a potential loan target for Rovers but high wage demands quickly made the 23-year-old’s capture unrealistic with reports elsewhere stating that he is headed to Bolton Wanderers.
The reality of the situation is that there will be other clubs who have identified the same targets and, based on the Gas’ current predicament, battling other sides, especially in League One, to certain players will be a tough task.
That makes it increasingly difficult to conduct efficient recruitment in the January transfer window, a market in which fees are already inflated due to it taking place mid-season.
A situation may arise where Rovers have to be reactionary to late possibilities, as was the case last January when they brought in Brandon Aguilera and Harry Vaughan on loan in the final hour of deadline day.
Asked whether the Gas are in a position to be reactionary, Calderon confessed: “Yeah, I mean the work has been done. It’s not like we are waiting. We are doing a lot of things behind [the scenes]. As I say, we have to be prepared for everything just in case and I think the club is doing it. But I think it’s important not to lose the head in this window. We have to make sure that we make good decisions.”