The 2021/22 season was one that Bristol Rovers fans will look back on with fond memories.
At one point relegation candidates, the next celebrating promotion in the most dramatic of circumstances, rose from 17th on New Year’s Day to third with just ten minutes of the League Two season remaining.
Joey Barton in August in the aftermath of a 4-1 defeat to Exeter City said that he’d get the team promoted and he delivered on that promise.
Now his task will be to make the Gas competitive in their first season back in League One and potentially put them in the mix for a consecutive promotion.
From those outside of the club, a mid-table finish is expected in their first season back, which isn’t bad as it’s the highest position out of the three other promoted clubs that came up with them.
What will play a significant part in how Rovers fare this campaign is how they move in the transfer market and so far they can be content with their business.
In the last week or so, three bits of transfer business have been wrapped up with two new faces and a player in James Connolly returning.
More new faces are to follow with the recruitment staff working hard to identify targets, meanwhile owner Wael al-Qadi has proven that he’s willing to provide the resources to the playing staff.
Should Joey and Eddy Jennings work their magic and get their reported targets, here is how Rovers could line-up on a regular basis in League One next season.
1. James Belshaw - 7
The Rovers shot stopper performed well on his league one debut, making a number of standout saves including stopping Jamille Matt from giving his side the opener with an incredible save, yet couldn’t do anything about the goals. | Getty Images Photo: Naomi Baker/Getty Images
2. James Gibbons - 6
Making his debut, the right back had fans on their feet when his clearance at the back post kept the scores level, however often found the Forest Green attackers running into the space behind him. | Getty Images Photo: James Gill/Getty Images
3. James Connolly - 7
The defender martialled Jamille Matt well and looked solid beginning life as a permanent Bristol Rovers player. | Getty Images Photo: Pete Norton/Getty Images
4. CB: Luca Hoole
Playing in a new position at centre back, the youngster lunged at the ball in the first half stopping a certain goal and didn’t look out of place in the heart of the Rovers defence. | Getty Images Photo: Pete Norton/Getty Images