Joey Barton is an ambitious manager and isn't someone who wants to stand still for long, and that's been applied at Bristol Rovers. The Gas have secured their place in League One next season, and over the last few games have been experimenting for next season.
Their busy month and run-in, has included battles with several teams chasing promotion to the Championship, and there is an ambition from the 40-year-old to take the club to the second tier after a 30-year absence. It's been a good campaign, and there are some good foundations in place at the Memorial Stadium, such as the form of Aaron Collins who won the League One Player of the Year award.
Last season, the Welshman waited a long time to score his first goal but ended up being top scorer for the season, and he is likely to achieve that feat again this year. His form could obviously attract interest from clubs in a higher division, but with a deal running until 2025, and Collins a fan of Rovers, there is a hope he will remain, but it all depends what kind of offer they could get.
A problem for Rovers is that several loan players will return to their parent clubs, and whilst most have been a success, it will take some talking to persuade them to return again. Rovers want to finish higher than whatever they finish now, but there needs to be an obvious plan in place so these clubs know what their youngsters are going in to.
Here, BristolWorld World takes a look at the 13 players likely to leave at the end of the campaign - and seven others that could
1. Anssi Jaakola - could
With Jed Ward getting an opportunity and Balcombe brought in January, Jaakkola’s playing days at Rovers look done. He could always be a good goalkeeping coach, and similar to Whelan, an emergency player, if needed. Photo: Lewis Storey/Getty Images
2. Calum MacDonald - likely
The form of Lewis Gordon has made it ‘unfortunate’ according to Barton for MacDonald to get in to the side. He signed on a short-term deal, and it looks unlikely it’ll be extended. Photo: Gareth Copley/Getty Images
3. Paul Coutts - likely
Coutts is now undergoing ‘work experience’ as Barton described it, as he gets a feel for coaching. He’s out-of-contract after only signing a new one-year deal and after a few injury setbacks this season, it could be his final season as a player. A coaching role might be available but he could return to Scotland, if he considers one final club. Photo: Dan Mullan/Getty Images
4. Glenn Whelan - likely
Whelan’s playing career was extended by a further year after joining as a player-coach, and in November he said he didn’t want to retire just yet. He’s a coach at the club, and someone the younger players look to, but in regards to playing, Rovers must start looking to the future. Photo: Pete Norton/Getty Images