Bristol Rovers right now are shaped in the image of Joey Barton, who has been given the maximum backing by the board. Despite being relegated under him in 2021, he was allowed to continue, and with the pressure of being expected to bounce back immediately, his side did just that, winning promotion from League Two, and then securing their place after a 17th-placed finish.
Barton's been at the Memorial Stadium for nearly two-and-a-half-years, and after suffering relegation with another mans squad, he has been able to get rid of most of the signings before him, and has brought in no fewer than 36 players. He had to assemble virtually new squads in both campaigns, and this summer is expected to be no different with up to 12 signings earmarked. Business has already begun with the new contract awarded to Josh Grant, whilst talks are ongoing with Grant Ward about extending his stay.
36 players is quite a lot, but you have to consider that Barton has relied heavily on the loan market to complement his squad, and some have seen out the campaign, whilst others have been sent back early. Most loan signings at the club have been successful, and you only have to look at Elliot Anderson who will be playing Champions League football next season as an example of that. Connor Taylor got a bit of a run at Stoke City too amid attempts from Rovers to bring him back, but in an ideal world, Rovers will want to develop their own players.
During his reign to date, the 57-year-old has overseen the arrival of more than three starting XI's, Here, BristolWorld rates all of those players out of 10 based on their impact so far
33. Bobby Thomas - 6/10
Thomas joined from Burnley and looked a solid option. He was part of a Rovers side that kept clean sheets. He made mistakes before the end but now is on the verge of promotion to the Championship. | Getty Images Photo: Michael Steele/Getty Images)
34. Ellery Balcombe - 3/10
Balcombe joined to provide competition to Belshaw but was displaced after a few games. | Getty Images Photo: David Rogers/Getty Images)
35. Jarell Quansah - 6/10
Quansah came in from Liverpool and you could see he was comfortable on the ball. He didn’t win many games though and his red card against Portsmouth was frustrating. | Getty Images Photo: Dan Mullan/Getty Images
36. Lamare Bogarde - 7/10
A brilliant find from Aston Villa Not much was known about him before he joined but he made an impact in his loan spell. | Getty Images Photo: Michel Steele/Getty Images