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
9. Ellery Balcombe - likely
Balcombe’s loan from Brentford is up, and so is his contract with the Bees this summer. Balcombe had a few games in the side but James Belshaw has won his spot back and is now being challenged by Jed Ward instead. Unlikely to return on a permanent deal but could return for him if Barton needs another keeper. | Getty Images Photo: David Rogers/Getty Images
10. Josh Coburn - likely
Another player whose loan deal is up at the end of the season. Coburn’s had a fairly satisfactory spell at the club, despite not scoring since January. He’ll return to Middlesbrough, but depending on if they get Premier League football or not, could be on the loan market again. Photo: Stu Forster/Getty Images
11. Harry Anderson - could
Talks have been ongoing since December about extending Anderson’s stay but Barton said they were at an ‘impasse’ which means things could drag on. Barton will want to know before everyone goes away for their break where those out-of-contract stand. | Getty Images Photo: Pete Norton/Getty Images
12. Josh Grant - could
Barton is a big fan of Grant, but unfortunately his season has been hampered by injury, playing just ten minutes this season. Rovers have spent money in securing surgery for Grant, so they may want to recoup by keeping him on but he could go elsewhere. | Getty Images Photo: Pete Norton/Getty Images