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…
17. Antony Evans - 5
Evans hasn’t been as influential as he was last year but he’s still put in some good performances. He’s had to become a more defensive midfielder, but seven GA is still alright. | Getty Images Photo: Harry Trump/Getty Images
18. Lamare Bogarde - 6
A solid find from Barton. Not a lot of expectation was on Bogarde when he joined, but he’s quickly become someone that Rovers fans like. | Getty Images Photo: Michael Steele/Getty Images)
19. Luke McCormick - 4
Unfortunately McCormick’s first season back at Rovers hasn’t gone to plan, and he’s falling flat from the hype surrounding his return. He’s struggled to get in the team, and most recently was warned by Joey Barton. McCormick needs to prove his worth in the next few games. | Getty Images Photo: Michael Steele/Getty Images
20. Glenn Whelan - 3
Whelan was meant to have retired, but joined as a player-coach, and has perhaps made more appearances than expected. | Getty Images Photo: Pete Norton/Getty Images