Bristol Rovers give Tom Nichols a chance to kick-start his career with Cheltenham Town loan

The striker has moved to League Two for the rest of the season

Tom Nichols has joined Cheltenham Town on loan until the end of the season.

It effectively calls to an end the 26-year-old's time at Bristol Rovers, with the striker out of contract in the summer.

After joining the Gas from Peterborough United in 2017, Nichols' time at Rovers will ultimately be looked upon with a sense of frustration and sadness.

Despite no shortage of effort, the striker managed just four league goals in 94 appearances - chipping in five more times in cup competitions.

Things came to a head earlier this season when Nichols was jeered by fans during the Gas' defeat to Bolton Wanderers.

He has now moved to League Two side Cheltenham - a side Rovers loaned Gavin Reilly to earlier in the season.

Rovers boss Ben Garner gave Nichols his full backing for the move, and said he hopes to see the striker kick-start his career and rediscover his form.

Garner said: "Tom's going out on loan to Cheltenham until the end of the season.

"For Tom, it's an opportunity for him to kick-start his career, he's a smashing lad and a really good player, I just think he's had a hard time of it at this club.

"For whatever reason he's come here and it just hasn't quite happened for him, so a change of environment and a new club will hopefully give him a new challenge and a new freshness.

"He's a good lad and a good player, I really hope he kick-starts his career now."

Nichols' departure arguably means a space for a new striker has opened up again in Rovers' squad on transfer deadline day.

Whilst Reilly returned from his loan at Cheltenham Town, and the Gas also signed Timmy Abraham on loan from Fulham yesterday, Nichols is the third striker to depart this month, with both Tyler Smith and Victor Adeboyejo ending their loans early to return to their parent clubs.