Bristol Rovers have officially recalled midfielder Isaac Hutchinson from his loan at Cheltenham Town, ending the initially planned season-long arrangement. The 25-year-old, who joined the Robins on the final day of the summer transfer window, had an impressive stint, scoring eight goals in total—including three crucial strikes in the FA Cup.
The recall comes as manager Steve Evans exercised the club’s option to bring Hutchinson back during the designated recall window in January. Earlier this week, Gloucestershire Live reported that Hutchinson returned to Bristol Rovers’ Quarters training ground for discussions with Evans, confirming that his time at Cheltenham had concluded.
Hutchinson made an immediate impact at Cheltenham, netting the winning free-kick within two minutes of his debut against Accrington Stanley—a moment that secured the club’s opening victory of the season. Under former manager Michael Flynn, with whom Hutchinson previously thrived at Walsall, his performances were strong, but Flynn’s departure on September 20 brought changes.
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Under caretaker management, Hutchinson continued to contribute, scoring a pivotal goal against Grimsby Town despite the team’s heavy 7-1 defeat. When Steve Cotterill took charge of Cheltenham, he started strong with a 2-0 win over Fleetwood Town, where Hutchinson scored the opener in the 66th minute.
Hutchinson also proved critical in the FA Cup, heading the only goal in a shock victory over League One side Bradford City. Following a strike in a league defeat against Notts County, he netted two goals during a dramatic 6-2 win against non-league Buxton, helping Cheltenham advance to the third round to face Leicester City. His final goal for the Robins came on Boxing Day, converting a penalty in a 3-1 win over Shrewsbury Town.
On the field, Hutchinson’s last appearance was in Cheltenham’s 3-0 home victory over Crawley Town, where he was substituted in the 73rd minute for Liam Kinsella.
In related news, Ethan Archer left Cheltenham to join Luton Town after his loan spell, and fellow winger Hakeeb Adelakun, who scored in the recent Crawley match, is set to sign with Doncaster Rovers—managed by former Bristol Rovers midfielder Grant McCann.
With Hutchinson’s return, Bristol Rovers gain a proven goal-scoring midfielder just as they push for success in the remainder of the season.