It all begins again tomorrow as Bristol Rovers begin their 2022/23 League One season with the visit of Forest Green Rovers.
The Gas, back in the third tier after a one-year absence, welcome the League Two champions to a sold out Memorial Stadium, though there is a capacity reduction for the first few games.
Joey Barton has worked hard in the transfer market to assemble the squad that he wants but he is still up to seven players aware from where he wants it to exactly be.
The players he has at his disposal though aren’t too shabby and should have enough in them to defeat FGR, who have lost their manager Rob Edwards as well as a number of their key players from their title-winning team.
There are a few slight knocks and niggles from pre-season as well as a suspension to contend with Paul Coutts out for the opening three games. Josh Grant has also not been seen for the last few matches of the pre-season schedule, whilst defender Alfie Kilgour took a knock in training.
Predictions for the upcoming season have seen Rovers predicted anywhere between 14th to 24th, with them being the most fancied side out of the four promoted teams.
The additions of John Marquis and Jordan Rossiter are two signings that have a good amount of experience at this level, so it’s pivotal they hit the ground running to settle the lesser experienced players.
Barton is all too aware of this divison and has defied expectations before but after a few turbulent years at the Mem, a season of consolidation wouldn’t be all too bad.
Prediction: 16th
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. 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. 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. 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. Photo: Pete Norton/Getty Images