Bristol Rovers have had a respectable first campaign back in League One - and whilst the season is at risk of faltering out, the main objective of survival is almost in sight.
In his first press conference of the season, Joey Barton set out a task of achieving 52 points, and they are just seven points off of that with nine games to go. The target of 52 points is what he believes will ensure another year in the third tier, and right now the Gas are 10 points clear of 21st-placed Accrington Stanley, who occupy the last relegation spot.
A good run of form from October through to December had people thinking Rovers could be an outside contender for the play-offs, but with injuries and suspensions, as well as numerous matches in which individual errors have proven costly, those ambitions have had to be put to rest. Rovers' place in the division is not yet secure but there are worse teams in the division than them, and it would have to take a real capitulation for them to be relegated now.
A tricky run of games in April, facing the likes of promotion-chasing Peterborough United, Bolton Wanderers, Plymouth Argyle and Sheffield Wednesday does make it a daunting prospect, but Rovers relish playing some of the bigger teams. A double-header against Fleetwood Town and Charlton needs to return at least four points to avoid being dragged into any relegation race.
But with just nine games remaining, we’ve been reflecting on which players have impressed, and who has to improve before the season is out. Below, our Bristol Rovers writer, Jordan Jones has ranked every first-team player out of 10 based on their impact this season.
Here’s how we scored the Gas players…
5. Jarell Quansah - 5
Neat on the ball, and not afraid to pass out from the back. Quansah does look a different kind of L1 player, but his red card against Pompey is perhaps that naivety that young players have. He’ll miss three of the last nine matches now. | Liverpool FC via Getty Images Photo: Nick Taylor/Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
6. Sam Finley - 7
A Rovers midfield is worse off without Finley, who is an absolute engine in the centre of the park. A goal alludes him, but three assists is respectable and he’s a valuable player at this level. | Getty Images Photo: Naomi Baker/Getty Images
7. Scott Sinclair - 7
Five assists, three goals and plenty more still to offer. Sinclair’s been a really good addition to the team with stats wise, as well as his influence in the dressing room. | Getty Images Photo: Mark Runnacles/Getty Images
8. Grant Ward - 6
Replacing Rossiter is a difficult task, but Ward has conducted himself well so far. If he can continue to prove his fitness, he deserves a longer deal. | Getty Images Photo: Alex Burstow/Getty Images