Following on from what can only be described as a disappointing 15th placed finish in the third tier last term, Bristol Rovers fans will be expecting more from the club next time around.
A poor end to the season, where the Gas would win just two of their last 11 games, would derail any ambitions of a top-half finish as well as the faint chance of making the play-offs. As a result of their troublesome finish to the year, there were questions surrounding just how far manager Matt Taylor could take the club, but the board are deciding to stick with the former Rotherham United man.
Despite not ending the term well, there is plenty of positivity surrounding the club at the minute and there’s a certain amount of hope within the fanbase which has potentially not been present over the last couple of seasons. That said hope is very much down to the way that the club have gone about their business so far this window, and there is certainly plenty to like.
The Gas have made seven signings so far, and there are a number of eye-catchers in there who will almost certainly have an impact next term. They’ve brought in a good blend of youth and experience which should serve them rather well when the season kicks off in August.
Taylor Moore brings with him over 250 senior appearances and given he has been handed a three-year deal at the Memorial Stadium, he is very much in it for the long-term. Likewise, 23-year-old Ruel Sotiriou, who already has 150 EFL appearances to his name despite his age, has also signed a three-year deal. He’d score 11 times and provide a further five assists for Leyton Orient in his first season in League One and he’ll now be expected to progress on those numbers and show that it wasn’t just a one-off season.
There is further excitement surrounding the signings of Isaac Hutchinson and Joel Senior, both who are coming off of the back of really strong showings in League Two last term. The former was arguably the standout for Walsall as they just missed out on the play-offs, racking up a mightily impressive 23 goal contributions and he could well reach new heights linking up with the Gas.
As for Senior, he was one of the best right-backs in the entirety of the division last season and is also deserving of a move to a League One side. His versatility will provide cover in multiple areas across the pitch and he seems to be another fine acquisition for the club.
Add in the young and up-and-coming Bryant Bilongo, Clinton Mola and Dan Ellison, the latter especially who is just 18-years-of-age, and there’s plenty to like about the club’s business so far this window.
The question now is – Just how far can this squad go?
On paper, the squad already looks to be stronger than that of last season’s and the future is obviously in mind given the manner of their transfers. As a result, we could well see the Gas challenge in the top ten, and perhaps even the play-offs.
They’ll have their work cut out for them, especially given the fact that it looks to be quite a hard, yet open, League One renewal but they do seem to have the quality to contend towards the top. Despite not having the same budget as the likes of Birmingham City, Huddersfield Town, Rotherham United and Bolton Wanderers to name just four strong sides ahead of the new season, Taylor has been very smart with his signings and significantly the club have got them through the door early.
When looking at the promotion picture for next season, it is unlikely that Bristol Rovers are in that for many pundits and fans alike but they could well be going under the radar. Obviously there is still plenty of time left in the window but so far they’ve arguably had the best transfer window of the entirety of the teams in League One.
A good start to the new term will make things very interesting and they’re looking more and more like genuine contenders for a spot in the top-six.
Senior Editor
