Bristol Rovers must send scouts to watch Bolton Wanderers player and Dean Campbell, here's why | OneFootball

Randell Williams and Dean Campbell have been highlighted as realistic targets for the Gas this winter.

Matt Taylor and Bristol Rovers have struggled for form and consistency this season. For every surprise away win, there is an even more surprising home loss.

With the January transfer window opening imminently, new recruits could be crucial to reigniting a season that is looking like reverting to type: lower-mid-table mediocrity, that is.

Having spent relatively big this summer, and with changes in the boardroom amid the departure of Wael al-Qadi, there may not be much in the way of a warchest. However, this article suggests two cost-effective players with expiring contracts, who may realistically join a club of Rovers' stature this winter.

Randell Williams

The 27-year-old winger has never quite secured his place in the Bolton side. Entering his supposed prime, a talented yet inconsistent Randell Williams could relish a chance to rejuvenate a somewhat stunted career.

With his contract running out next summer, Williams is a player who historically thrives in England's south-west, as well as with Rovers boss Matt Taylor.

Having spent time at Tottenham, Crystal Palace and Watford, the London-born midfielder joined Taylor's Exeter City side in January 2019.

He would claim five goals and 14 assists in his first full season in League Two, featuring in the PFA team of the year as the Grecians reached the play-off final.

Williams' key attributes lay within his vision, chance creation, progression, factors Rovers have been struggling with this campaign.

According to Whoscored, of the Bristol Rovers squad members, only Lino Sousa can beat the 0.8 successful crosses executed by Williams this season.

If Taylor can reignite Williams' form, just as he had done in 2020, this could be a vital outlet of chances for rovers, who currently produce just 2.76 shots on target per 90, the second worst in the league.

Dean Campbell

A once thought of Scottish wonderkid, 23-year-old holding midfielder Dean Campbell has matured into a capable EFL asset.

Born in nearby Bridge of Don, Campbell came through the Aberdeen academy, and made his SPL debut against Celtic aged just 16 and 1 month.

He played 75 times for the Dandies, receiving SPL, Europa League and Conference League experience.

A strong start to his career saw Campbell make over 20 appearances for Scotland's various youth sides, though his development plateaued as he entered his 20's, causing him to drop into England's fourth-tier with Stevenage, currently at Barrow.

With a true catalogue of midfield attributes, as well as being a terrier-like interceptor, Campbell has a natural composure and tactical awareness that seems impossible to teach, possessing the gift of being able to dictate any game, when on form that is.

At 23, his true potential may yet be unlocked, with performances for his Cumbrian side reflecting that this year.

According to FBRef, the Scot has recorded the most interceptions of any midfielder in the division this season.

With his contract also expiring in the summer, and Barrow's promotion hopes dwindling, the club may want to get whatever cash they can for the former Scotland U19 man.

Reportedly targeted by Championship Oxford this summer, this could represent superb value for any team who decides to secure the services of Campbell, who has a point to prove in the professional game, and time on his side.