Goalkeeper Neil Etheridge joined Rovers on loan from Fulham early in the 2012–13 season, initially on a one-month contract, but this was later extended to a three-month deal. Rovers already had 'keeper Sam Walker on loan from Chelsea due to a long-term injury to Scott Bevan, but he had conceded 19 goals during his eight games between the sticks and manager Mark McGhee felt the need to make a change. Neil had played 12 times in League Two before being recalled early from his loan by Fulham, who included him on their bench for a Premier League game against Chelsea a week later.