‘Full belief’ - Bristol Rovers transfers gives hope of League One play-off push

It all begins again for Bristol Rovers tomorrow as the 2023/24 League One season starts with an away trip to Portsmouth.

The Gas are being described by some media pundits and fans as dark horses in the division, and that will suit Joey Barton and his side just nicely. Rovers may not have Premier League experience like some of the big hitters in the division but as their new co-owner said they have ‘huge potential’ and that potential needs to become a reality.

To preview the upcoming campaign, Joe Moon has delivered his thoughts on the transfer window so far, the thoughts on pre-season and his overall expectations for the new campaign.

Coming off the back of a 17^th place finish in League One last season, I can certainly see why there’s fresh optimism within the Bristol Rovers fan base, following some fantastic transfer business and a promising pre-season. With last season’s League One Player of The Year Aaron Collins still contracted to the club, and an array of exciting attackers complimenting experienced defensive recruits, I’m quietly confident that we have the core of a top ten, or dare I say it, play-off worthy squad.

Though notable players have now departed following the expiry of their loans (Lewis Gibson, Lamare Bogarde and Josh Coburn in particular), Joey Barton and the recruitment team have acted fast in replacing them.

A common concern last year was our defensive fragility, with 73 goals conceded in the league, and although Barton accomplished the mission of staying up after a post-Christmas slump, our faltering form resulted in a solid, if unspectacular season. Highlights included the emergence of young stars Lewis Gordon and Luca Hoole, making the left and right wingback slots their very own - and of course, Aaron Collins stole the headlines with his non-stop commitment and creativity. From one ‘player of the year’ to another, questions remain around the future of James Belshaw however, the recipient of that very same award following his heroics in the 2022/23 campaign.

The direction of our recruitment seems to point to a shake-up in the goalkeeping ranks, and Jed Ward’s loan departure has made it necessary to bring in competition for Belshaw. In keeping with the manager’s affinity for technically gifted Premier League loanees, Brentford’s England youth goalkeeper Matt Cox arrives for the season, regarded for his distribution and ability with the ball at his feet. Though I don’t think this definitely spells the end for our current number one, the permanent capture of former-Southampton prospect Matt Hall means that Belshaw isn’t a guaranteed starter as was once the case.

I’m genuinely excited about our defensive arrivals, as we missed a commanding presence at the back last year when Lewis Gibson was unavailable. The know how of experienced League One campaigner James Wilson could be the missing piece to the puzzle. Wilson captained last year’s dominant Plymouth side to promotion, and there’s similar pedigree to Championship veteran George Friend - joining with a wealth of experience and a versatility which could see him slot in across the back line. As cliché as it has become, every squad needs a Tony Craig character to rally the troops, and on top of this, I’m as happy as anyone to witness the much-anticipated return of Connor Taylor, a real real statement of intent.

On the same page, the return of Luke Thomas casts no doubt over Joey Barton’s ability to tempt players back to the club who once had successful loan stints. Though lacking consistency during his first period here, Thomas could be a key player should we play to his strengths, and already looks to be settling back in well, with some fantastic link-up play against Braga out in Portugal.

The icing on the cake has to be Jevani Brown, One of the best attacking players in the league last year, and an unpredictable threat with a wand of a right foot. From what I’ve seen in pre-season, he operates in a similar way to Aaron Collins, dangerously dribbling his way into goalscoring positions.

Contrary to past windows, we seem to have done most of our business early, and as a result, I wouldn’t say we’re particularly weak in any area of the squad. Defensively well-equipped, with plenty of depth, and the personnel to play a four-at-the-back or five-at-the-back system if required, I’m sure we’ll see tactical tweaks throughout the month of August, as Joey decides upon his best 11 and system.

If I was to be greedy, and target any area for an extra signing or two, the midfield could perhaps do with an extra pair of legs. The departure of Paul Coutts and retirement of Glenn Whelan does leave our midfield depth weaker, this is accounting for the fitness concerns of Jordan Rossiter and Josh Grant, as well as the patchy form of Luke McCormick.

As many have said, a revitalised Scott Sinclair could be a real asset for us, and I have no doubts that the winger has the potential to be one of the best players in the league when fully fit. Likewise, John Marquis has looked noticeably fitter throughout our pre-season fixtures, and with the right service to compliment his work-rate and movement, I could see him rediscovering the form that made him such a feared player in this division during his younger years.

At the other end of the spectrum, and although they may well be sent out on loan, there are plenty of young prospects with the ability and potential to break through in 2023/24. Ryan Jones has looked impressive in pre-season, Jerry Lawrence will be looking to add to his minutes from last year, and talented trialist Téo Kurtaran is likely to be in and around the first team should he be offered a deal.

Our performances and displays in pre-season has heightened my expectations, and there were impressive elements to each of our warm-up games. The exciting 3-2 loss to Braga, brilliant 2-0 showing against a strong Swansea side and routine 2-0 win vs Chesterfield each showcased our embarrassment of riches in the final-third, while our performance in South Wales showcased a defensive grit which has been so often missing during Barton’s tenure.

With all things considered, I have full belief in the seemingly ambitious plans for our second consecutive season in League One, harbouring expectations of a play-off challenge - accounting for the eye-catching recruitment and defensive improvements we seem to have made.

The elusive promotion play-offs don’t seem unrealistic, especially when factoring in the quality of the league this year (Wigan and Reading could both struggle following off-the-pitch issues), and the likes of Barnsley and Peterborough have lost key players. I’ll curb my enthusiasm a bit until the transfer window slams shut on September 1st, but whatever happens, I’m sure we’re in for another blockbuster season.