Bristol Rovers Acquire Riley Harbottle from AFC Wimbledon
Bristol Rovers have secured the services of Riley Harbottle from AFC Wimbledon. The talented centre-back is expected to strengthen the team’s defense as they look to improve in their upcoming matches.
Riley Harbottle: A Rising Star
Riley Harbottle, born in Nottingham, began his football journey in the Nottingham Forest academy. He made significant strides in his career by signing his first professional contract in 2017.
Professional Debut and Early Career
Harbottle made his full debut at the age of 20 during a Carabao Cup match against Bradford City. He continued to impress in the tournament, playing the full 90 minutes against Wolverhampton Wanderers in the second round.
His early career included a fruitful loan spell at Wealdstone in the National League, where he made eleven appearances. Following that, he joined Mansfield Town on loan, competing in Sky Bet League Two.
Breakthrough with Mansfield Town
During the 2022/23 season, Harbottle became a key player for Mansfield Town, appearing 36 times across all competitions. He showcased his offensive capabilities by scoring six goals, notably contributing vital scores in matches against Tranmere Rovers and Colchester United.
Move to Hibernian and Loan Spells
In July 2023, Harbottle transferred to Scottish Premier League outfit Hibernian. However, he returned to England shortly after, joining Colchester United on loan for the latter half of the 2023/24 season.
AFC Wimbledon Stint
In August 2024, Harbottle completed a transfer to AFC Wimbledon where he quickly became an integral part of the team. Over the course of the season, he made 35 appearances and played a crucial role in leading Wimbledon to the League Two play-offs.
- Scored the decisive goal against Notts County in the semi-final first-leg.
- Helped secure promotion by ensuring a solid defense in the play-offs.
- Wimbledon won the final against Walsall 1-0 at Wembley Stadium in May.
Current Season with Bristol Rovers
So far this campaign, Harbottle has made 18 appearances, including 12 in Sky Bet League One. His experience and skills are expected to bolster Bristol Rovers as they strive for a successful season.
The entire Bristol Rovers community welcomes Riley Harbottle and wishes him the best for his future with the Gas.
