Bristol Rovers begin life back in League Two in less than a week's time when they play host to Harrogate Town at the Memorial Stadium. It marks the first competitive home fixture for Darrell Clarke in seven years after agreeing to return to the club over the summer.
Clarke won back-to-back promotions in his first stint in charge of the Gas and has overseen a combined total of five promotions during his 15 year career and management which has seen him work his way up from the lower leagues.
He’s so far enjoyed a fairly productive pre-season which has seen his side win three of their five matches with just one more friendly against Oxford United remaining before his side get onto the pitch for the real thing.
It’s been a summer of plenty of changes, incomings and outgoings, but are Bristol Rovers in a healthy position to bounce back to the third tier? And who is likely to pose the strongest competition for one of the three automatic promotion places?
We took a look at this year’s predicted table based on odds from Sky Bet.
5. Bromley - 8/1 for promotion
Club hero Michael Cheek fired Andy Woodman's side to an 11th place finish last year, but the bookies feel their second season in League Two could be a bit tougher. | Getty Images
6. Barrow - 13/2 for promotion
Barrow are expected to beat the drop but are unlikely to push for promotion. The bookies predict a 19th place finish. | Getty Images
7. Fleetwood Town - 6/1 for promotion
Fleetwood Town were relegated in 2024 and finished 14th in their first year back in the fourth tier. They aren't expected to stage a promotion push but the signing of Ched Evans from Preston could boost their chances. | Getty Images
8. Tranmere Rovers - 6/1 for promotion
Birkenhead-based outfit Tranmere Rovers finished 20th last term and are expected to make small improvements next year | Getty Images