Bristol Rovers have ‘fallen in love’ with Elliot Anderson as Newcastle United prospect is given hilarious nickname

Elliot Anderson is just six games into his Bristol Rovers loan spell - but the Newcastle United starlet is already set to make a lasting impression.

Anderson, one of the Magpies’ most exciting young talents, joined Joey Barton’s Gas on January transfer deadline day.

Having been heavily linked with Championship outfit Luton Town for over 12 months, it was quite surprising to see the 19-year-old drop into League Two.

Nevertheless, Anderson is grasping his first loan experience with both hands - endearing himself to the Rovers fans.

We caught up with BristolWorld’s Jordan Jones to get the lowdown on Anderson’s promising start at the Memorial Stadium:

How big of an impact has Elliot Anderson had at Bristol Rovers

JJ: “He’s only a few games into his career at Bristol Rovers but he’s already making a huge impact.

“In his first game he was influential in winning a penalty against Sutton United and then in the last week he got two assists and scored his first goal in professional football.

“He’s played as a holding midfielder alongside Sam Finley, but his better position has been in the ten in the absence of Antony Evans.”

How have the Bristol Rovers fans taken to Elliot Anderson?

JJ: “They love him already. The unwritten rule of football is to never fall in love with a loan player but already Rovers have done that with Anderson.

“The common words around these parts is that they already feel he’s too good for League Two and they’re shocked he’s with them.”

What has Joey Barton said about Elliot Anderson so far?

JJ: “There isn’t a press conference that goes by that he isn’t asked about Elliot Anderson in some format. He continues to sing his praises and reminds people of how he’s just 19-years-old but performs like he does.

“Interestingly it didn’t seem like Anderson was his first choice signing on deadline day but said that he’s already exceeded what the other option will have been.

“In his post-match presser against Stevenage, he said it was good to have young minds in the squad as you can fill ideas into them and they’re not overthinking things and I think that is true with Elliot. He’s good at playing his own game.”

Can you see why Elliot Anderson is tipped for big things at Newcastle?

JJ: “Of course but League Two and the Premier League are two different things.

“This is his first time spent away from Newcastle, so there’s a bit of intrigue I imagine but you have to manage those expectations.”

Tell us about Elliot Anderson’s nickname at Bristol Rovers…

JJ: “A sign of how Elliot’s already fitted into the squad is that his nickname is ‘Billy’ which comes from of course that popular film Billy Elliot.

“Of course if you’re involved in ballet or you’re a ballerina then you’ve got to do things to perfection and follow a rhythm. Elliot Anderson has some talented feet.”