Bristol Rovers defender Clinton Mola has offered an honest account of the personal and professional challenges he faced after losing his spot in the side earlier this season.
The 24-year-old was a consistent presence at the beginning of the campaign under former manager Matt Taylor, turning in a string of solid performances. But his place in the side slipped away shortly after Inigo Calderon took charge, with Mola limited to just three league appearances across 11 games – most of them from the bench – as Lino Sousa took over at left-back.
Back in Contention
Recently, however, Mola has forced his way back into contention, playing as a wing-back in Calderon’s back-three system. He delivered one of his strongest showings in Rovers colours during the 1-0 victory over Huddersfield Town, underlining his intent to stay in the mix.
“Obviously, it wasn’t ideal for me being out of the team. I had to take a look at myself and really work hard in training and show the gaffer that I deserve to be playing after I had a decent start and then obviously I was out of the team.”
Mola, who has had to adapt to both a new system and a fierce battle for places, says the focus now is firmly on results rather than individual status.
“I’ve said before, I said it to myself, in or out of the team right now, it’s just about us getting over the line and obviously picking up wins.”
Despite being substituted at half-time in last weekend’s 5-0 defeat to Lincoln City – a tactical reshuffle that failed to prevent the heavy loss – Mola is optimistic about the team’s ability to bounce back, particularly with a vital away clash at Crawley Town looming.
Relegation Battle Still On
Calderon’s side remains six points clear of the League One relegation zone with nine games to play but know that margin could quickly disappear without consistency. Mola isn’t distracted by the league table chatter – instead, he’s focusing on what the team can control.
“We know the position we’re in but at the end of the day it’s down to us. We don’t have to rely on others, it’s what we do on matchday.”
Writer’s View
Mola’s honest self-assessment and renewed commitment to the team speak volumes about his character. His return could prove important in a high-pressure run-in in a squad that’s been shuffled often under Calderon. While the Gas aren’t in immediate danger, results can swing fast at this stage of the season. Mola’s resurgence – if sustained – might be just what Bristol Rovers need to stay clear of the drop and build some momentum heading into the final stretch.
