Bristol Rovers have announced the acquisition of defender Riley Harbottle from AFC Wimbledon. The 25-year-old brings a wealth of experience and skill to the team.
Riley Harbottle’s Early Career
Riley Harbottle was born in Nottingham and began his football journey at the Nottingham Forest academy. He signed his first professional contract in 2017.
- Made his full debut at 20 years old in the Carabao Cup against Bradford City.
- Played a full match in the second round against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Loan Spells and Development
After his debut, Harbottle had loan spells to further his development. He played eleven matches for Wealdstone in the National League.
His loan at Mansfield Town in Sky Bet League Two proved significant, where he became a key player during the 2022/23 season.
- Made 36 appearances across all competitions.
- Scored six goals, including crucial strikes against Tranmere Rovers and Colchester United.
Recent Transfers
In July 2023, Harbottle moved to Hibernian in the Scottish Premier League. However, he returned to English football shortly after, joining Colchester United on loan for part of the 2023/24 season.
In August 2024, Harbottle signed with AFC Wimbledon. His impact was immediate, making 35 appearances and playing a vital role in the team’s performance.
Achievements with AFC Wimbledon
Harbottle’s contributions were instrumental in Wimbledon’s play-off success. He scored the decisive winner against Notts County in the semi-final first leg.
Under his influence, Wimbledon secured promotion through the play-offs, triumphing over Walsall 1-0 in the final at Wembley Stadium in May.
Current Season Performance
This season, Harbottle has featured in 18 matches, with 12 of those in Sky Bet League One. His experience and defensive skills are expected to strengthen Bristol Rovers as they move forward.
Everyone at El-Balad extends a warm welcome to Riley, wishing him success during his tenure with the Gas.
