Head of football operations James Coppinger has confirmed that midfielder John Bostock will depart Rovers after turning down the offer of a new contract at the club.
The 30-year-old was offered fresh terms with his initial 18-month deal coming to an end this summer, but made clear his desire to ply his trade at a higher level.
Despite Bostock’s departure, Gary McSheffrey has a midfield which has been further strengthened by the addition of Harrison Biggins, alongside the likes of Tommy Rowe, Adam Clayton and Ben Close.
Coppinger said: “John turned his contract down but I can’t speak highly enough of him as both a person and a player.
“I played with him when he first signed and I was around him last season. He’s a great guy and the way he’s conducted himself throughout this process has been excellent.
“He feels he can play at a higher level and doesn’t want to step into League Two which we respect, and wish him all the best from the club’s perspective.
“He was really good in how he communicated, he had the club’s best interests at heart and was honest all the way through.
“We can now move forward and plan without him. We’ve brought Harrison Biggins in and he complements the lads already here to create what we believe is one of the best midfields in the division.”
