Egan spent the second half of the 2021/22 season on loan at Hereford in the National League North and will look to put that experience to good use in a Tigers’ shirt this term.
The Irish centre-back is expected to get a good number of minutes under his belt and 39-year-old Lee Mansell, the current Gloucester City boss, last turned out for the Gas before his retirement.
Barton hopes that the loan move will allow the 19-year-old to kickstart his fledgling career and garner some more valuable experience that will stand him in good stead for his future.
“Young Jamie Egan’s gone out on loan Gloucester so that’s good for him and he’ll get some minutes with Manse to kickstart his career”, Barton was quoted as saying by the Bristol Post.
Barton also admitted to not worrying about the transfer exits of the players he told they had no future at the Memorial Stadium, choosing to focus instead on possible incomings who can make a difference during the season.
“Alex Rodman is going to have a decision to make whether he keeps playing or not. If he does, I’m sure he’ll have some options”, he added.
“Zain Westbrooke and Trevor Clarke will be waiting for the phone to ring and leaning on their agents a bit, but my priority is getting boys who can come in and can contribute.
“That is my focus at this moment in time.”
Barton’s side lost their opening fixture in League One at home to Forest Green Rovers 2-1 and followed that result with a resounding 4-0 win at Burton Albion.
The Gas will play host to Oxford United on Saturday, who are currently placed seven places below them in the table at this early stage.
