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
5. Lewis Gibson - likely
Gibson will leave the Mem this season, that is a fact. His loan spell from Everton expires but he’s someone who could return. His contract is up this summer, and whilst his performances could attract Championship clubs, or result in an extension, he’s a realistic target. | Getty Images Photo: Nathan Stirk/Getty Images
6. Lamare Bogarde - likely
Bogarde’s loan deal from Aston Villa is up and he’ll be happy with his first loan spell away from Villa Park. He had several Championship clubs linked with him before joining the Gas, and he may have done enough to get a move to a second tier team. | Getty Images Photo: Michael Steele/Getty Images
7. Grant Ward - could
Ward has been brilliant since signing on a free transfer in January. A six-month deal was the right thing for both parties but now Rovers run the risk of losing him, with interest from League One rivals apparently. Barton is happy with what has been offered to those out-of-contrac. | Getty Images Photo: Alex Burstow/Getty Images
8. Aaron Collins - could
This is the big one… Collins was named Player of the Year, and that is hard to ignore. At least one unnamed Championship club are said to hold strong interest. A big fee will be needed if Rovers are to consider parting ways with him. | Getty Images Photo: Michael Steele/Getty Images