Joel Senior, who was released by Carlisle United after helping them gain promotion at the end of the 2022/23 season, has finally got his chance to play in League One.
Senior, now 25, was one of nine players released by Paul Simpson after the Blues clinched promotion and he joined Morecambe last season.
Now after leaving the Shrimps he has signed a two-year deal with Bristol Rovers and can look forward to sampling League One football a year later than he might have.
Rovers have announced the signing of Senior following the expiration of his contract at Morecambe on their official website. A stand-out for the Shrimps last season, Senior turned down new terms at the club following the financial problems which currently surround them.
Senior started 43 times for Morecambe last season in the fourth tier, scoring one goal and providing four assists mainly from the right-side of defence. Despite naturally being a right-back, he was also utilised down the left as well as in midfield, proving himself as a versatile asset in the process.
Senior was considered a bit unlucky to not be rewarded with a new contract following the Cumbrians’ play-off final success in 2022/23 where he played a key part in Omari Patrick’s late equaliser against Stockport County.
Talking to Rovers own media he said: I’m delighted to sign with Bristol Rovers. When I first heard about the chance of coming to Rovers, I wanted to jump at the opportunity. This is a big club with a superb fanbase, and has everything a footballer would want.
“From the outside looking in, I could see how big of a club this is. Since I’ve come in and been around the training ground, you can see what a top facility this is and all the coaches and staff here are brilliant as well. As a footballer, you honestly can’t ask for anything more.
“I’ve been told about the club’s ambitions and how they align with the manager’s vision, and I can’t wait to help fulfil those targets. I’m glad to be here and I can’t wait to get
The young Senior spent 10 years with Oldham Athletic and joined FC United of Manchester in 2017 before Burnley took a punt on him two years later but he was released and joined Altrincham where he played 61 times.
It was with Alty that Senior attracted the attention of Carlisle but soon after arriving at Brunton Park he suffered a serious injury which curtsiled his first season at Brunton Park.
He bounced back through the promotion season and played in 17 league games, scoring a goal, but after playing at Wembley was released and moved to Morecambe.
