‘Gifted’ former Portsmouth reject and ex-Plymouth Argyle target completes surprise loan switch after Bradford City call
Tommy Leigh, who rose through the ranks at Fratton Park before being released aged 16, is the subject of an early-window loan switch.
Former Pompey youngster Tommy Leigh has signed for Bristol Rovers on a season-long loan.
The ex-Priory Park student was given the green light to depart Bradford City, who have surprisingly sanctioned a temporary departure so early in the transfer window.
It became increasingly clear that the midfielder, who has spent 18 months at Valley Parade, would not be a part of Graham Alexander’s side next term.
Leigh is heading into the final 12 months of his current Bantams deal and is likely to have already played his final Bradford game.
Instead, the ex-Bognor Regis, Baffins Milton Rovers and AFC Porchester talent has linked up with Bristol Rovers, where he thrived during the second half of the campaign.
Surprise loan move for ex-Pompey youngster
The Gas went on to secure a 14th-placed finish in League Two after an outstanding run, which saw them lose just one of their final 14 matches.
And Evans, who recently penned a new long-term deal at the Memorial Stadium, admitted Leigh was an influential figure in their turnaround, and explained how hard his side pushed for his signature this summer.
Speaking to Bristol Rovers official website, he said: ‘It was something we worked really, really hard on since the Notts County game. I must acknowledge the support of our Chairman in his help making this happen.
‘Tommy is a very gifted footballer and is a maverick. He does special things on a football pitch and is loved by our supporters.
They will be buzzing with the news; Tommy wins football matches. The Gasheads have got their own song for him, and I am sure they will be singing it all the way through the season.
‘He is a gifted boy, he’s a really good professional, he works so hard, and we want to give him a full pre-season program to get him ready to go.’
Tommy Leigh’s Pompey connection
Leigh rose through the ranks at Fratton Park before being left go by Pompey aged 16.
After working his way through non-league with a number of local clubs, the Portsmouth-born sensation was picked up by Accrington Stanley in 2021.
The attacker went on to net 28 goals and provided 11 assists during a successful three-year stay with Accy, featuring alongside Colby Bishop.
Although his name cropped up once again in January 2024 after injury to Alex Robertson, no Pompey reunion came for the midfielder.
Since then, spells with MK Dons, Bradford City and Bristol Rovers have followed for the former Fratton Park youngster, who is now setting his sights on a second League Two promotion in his career.