Tranmere Rovers midfielder Richie Smallwood has signed a permanent one-year deal with Bristol Rovers, the club announced on June 5, 2026. Smallwood, 35, had been on loan at the Memorial Stadium since January and made 14 appearances for the Pirates in League Two. The midfielder expressed his delight at signing permanently, stating that he is looking forward to continuing the momentum from the second half of last season. Manager Steve Evans praised Smallwood's experience and quality, saying that he is a top professional and a leader in the dressing room. Smallwood began his career at Middlesborough before moving to Rotherham, where he scored the winning penalty in a play-off final shootout against Leyton Orient in 2014. He has made 521 appearances in the EFL and has achieved several promotions through his career.