Bristol Rovers manager Matt Taylor has explained why the club are yet to make a signing in the January transfer window.
After a run of four losses on the bounce, it looks as if now, more than ever, the Gas need new faces in the building. Having lost to Exeter City on Tuesday night, Taylor’s side fall down to 14th and are being caught up by a number of teams below them.
Recent form has shown exactly why new names are needed. Rovers have looked flat in each of those games and depth does somewhat seem an issue with no real ‘plan B’.
As a result, any play-off hopes now look to have gone with the club 15 points off of Oxford United in sixth. Bristol Rovers’ season isn’t over, far from it, but it now looks as if the best option is to build for next season.
That may indeed influence Taylor’s transfer plans this window and he may opt for a blend of youth and experience. With no signings in the window thus far, it is quite hard to tell exactly what the plan is.
That isn’t without a lack of trying, with the manager stating that they have been snubbed a couple of times this window as well as coming very close to bringing the first name through the door this January.
In an interview with the Bristol Post, Taylor outlined his plans for the rest of the window, knowing that changes are required.
“We need some help with this group in terms of bodies. I’d like to do more. I think that’s a fair assessment. I don’t think any Bristol Rovers fans would deny that there are certain positions on that pitch which we want to improve but actually can’t.
“I think I’ve said before, we’re playing catch up. There’s nothing in place to search and put those names on the table so we’re being reactive in this market which means it probably takes more time than you want and unfortunately time allows other clubs to be involved. It’s as simple as that. Identify a good player and then find out that there are five or six other ones that can probably outwork you in the market.
“So that’s where we are. That’s ultimately why we haven’t brought in a player this window but we’re really trying as hard as we can.”
Writer’s View
The current form that the Gas are currently in perfectly exemplifies why they need a couple of new faces this January. Taylor isn’t exactly under pressure just yet, but with five losses in their last six, he’ll be wanting to regain the winning thread.
Any play-off ambitions look to have now gone and it seems as if building for the future is the smartest move. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see Rovers as one of the busiest sides in the final week of the transfer window given they’ve fallen behind their competitors.
Senior Editor
