Rovers say they will watch with interest as safe standing trials are set to be take place in the Premier League and EFL – but have issued a statement to say they haven’t applied to take part.

Six clubs have applied to be involved in a safe standing trial due to start in January 1, the Sports Grounds Safety Authority (SGSA) has announced.

The programme, which will allow those clubs whose applications are successful to offer a licensed safe standing area, was announced last month.

It will end a blanket ban on standing in the top two tiers of English football which has been in place for more than 25 years.

Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Tottenham and Wolves are among the top-flight clubs to have installed rail seating at their grounds - however, the SGSA did not name the clubs set to be involved in the trial, with the approval process now ongoing. 

Rovers CEO Steve Waggott revealed the cost implication of converting 1,000 seats would be in the region of £70,000 at a fans forum meeting held last month.

The club have now outlined that they would be open to the idea, but feel it would require further consultation with supporters.

A statement read: “Following the recent announcement by Sports Minister Nigel Huddleston and after a series of internal meetings, the club has decided not to participate in the upcoming ‘safe standing’ trial.

“EFL and Premier League clubs were given the opportunity to apply to participate in a trial of a licensed standing area at their stadium, which would take effect from January 1 2022.

“However, while the club remains open to the idea, it felt that further consultation with supporters and the local authorities would need to take place before committing to invest in the initiative. 

“Rovers will take a keen interest in the outcome of the pilot scheme and will revisit the proposals as part of its annual stadium review at the end of the season.”