Action Images
Bristol Rovers have confirmed the signing of former Nottingham Forest player Arvin Appiah.
The League Two side have welcomed him to the club on Instagram, with the 25-year-old arriving as a free agent after his departure from Almeria.
The winger came through the Reds’ academy system, and made six appearances in the Championship in 2018/19 before making the move to Spanish football in a deal worth a reported £8 million.
The former England U19 international spent seven years with the La Liga 2 club, but also had stints on loan with the likes of Tenerife, Malaga, Rotherham and Amiens.
Appiah featured 14 times in Ligue 2 last season, with Amiens finishing 18th in the table, suffering relegation to the third tier of French football.
This led to Almeria letting the player go following the expiration of his contract during the summer.
Bristol Rovers confirm Arvin Appiah signing
Action Images
Bristol Rovers have confirmed the signing of Appiah as a free agent, as the club looks to bolster their attacking options.
Steve Evans’ side have made a promising start to the new League Two campaign, and currently sit fifth in the table after their first nine games.
The Gas will be hoping that Appiah can make an immediate impact, having competed in Ligue 2, the Primeira Liga, the Championship and La Liga in recent seasons.
Stuart Maynard, Steve Evans, Bristol Rovers
Stuart Maynard, Steve Evans, Bristol Rovers
During his loan spell with Rotherham, the 25-year-old made 29 appearances, including seven starts, and he contributed one assist, with the Millers finishing bottom of the table.
Bristol Rovers have won just one of their last four league games, losing to Crewe Alexandra, Gillingham and Grimsby Town in the other three.
Arvin Appiah - Almeria league goals and appearances (per Fbref.com)
Season
---
2019-20
2020-21
2021-22
The winger has expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to compete with Bristol Rovers, and that he believes Evans can help get him back to his best again.
"I'm grateful and honoured to be here," said Appiah, via the club’s website.
Is Arvin Appiah a good addition for Bristol Rovers? Comment your opinion below
"I can't wait to get on the pitch after being out for so long.
“I'm happy to be back in a footballing environment, and it's a good one, so I can't complain.
"Steve knows what I can do and what I can bring to this team.
“He just wants me to get my confidence back up, and I am grateful to him for putting that trust back in me.
“Now, I have got to show it on the pitch.
“So, I am raring to go.
"I can't wait to meet all of the fans at The Mem and to get this team to where it belongs."
How Bristol Rovers fans have reacted to Arvin Appiah signing
Bristol Rovers are positive about the signing of Appiah, and believe that he can make a big impact at a League Two level.
Supporters expect him to add strong competition for game time out wide, making him the exact kind of addition the team needs.
Fans are hopeful that Appiah will be capable of going straight into the team, particularly given the lack of wide options at the moment.
Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest fans are happy to see their former player back in English football again.
Next up for Bristol Rovers is a home clash against Barnet on 10 October in a 3pm kick-off.
Action Images
Arvin Appiah signing could be a shrewd move
Appiah’s willingness to drop down to League Two is a recognition that the last couple of years haven’t gone to plan for him.
However, if Evans can get his confidence back up and he can perform at his best, then this has the potential to be a smart move, and it will help that they briefly worked together at Rotherham.
Just a few years ago, the 25-year-old was competing in the top flight of Spanish football, playing against some of the best players in the world, so having that kind of experience in the dressing room has the potential to be quite valuable.
There are no guarantees with any signing, but there are plenty of reasons for Bristol Rovers fans to be optimistic about Appiah’s arrival.