Harvey Saunders and Aaron Collins: Bristol Rovers sign strikers on free transfers

Aaron Collins and Harvey Saunders are the fifth and sixth new signings at Bristol Rovers this summer

Bristol Rovers have signed strikers Harvey Saunders and Aaron Collins.

Both forwards have signed two-year contracts with the newly-relegated League Two side.

Saunders, 23, was released by Fleetwood Town last month and links up with former manager Joey Barton at Rovers.

Collins, 24, turned down the offer of a new contract at Forest Green Rovers having scored 16 goals in 83 appearances during a two-year period at the New Lawn, including 11 last season.

Saunders scored eight goals in the first six weeks of last season before ending the campaign on loan at National League side Hartlepool United.

"I've seen first-hand the determination and desire he has to succeed, having worked with him at Fleetwood," Barton said of Saunders to the club website.

"He's quick, athletic, knows where the goal is and importantly for us is a really good character and I'm sure he will be a great addition to our squad."

On Collins, Barton said: "He's shown that he's capable of scoring and creating goals at this level and was a constant attacking threat for Forest Green last season.

"He can play in several positions across the forward line and that flexibility will give us different options in how we set up next season."

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