It's been an up and down start to the 23/24 season for the Gas as we saw out our August fixtures with a 2-1 home defeat to Wycombe Wanderers. It was possibly Rovers worst display of the month despite enjoying a whopping 70% of the possession without displaying that decisive finishing move that will be required if Rovers promotion ambition is to be matched on the pitch.
That would sum up the start to the season for Rovers having shown promising signs of a fluid and cohesive attack, but with Aaron Collins in particular still struggling to reignite his form - the cutting edge has been missing. Rovers seem easily able to carve their way through teams but without a consistent proficiency in that final product.
The season would start with arguably the toughest first week possible.
In the League, opening with an away encounter at Portsmouth followed by a visit to the Mem for Barnsley. Both teams widely tipped to be spearheading League One this season. Championship side Ipswich Town would be the Carabao Cup meat in that freshly made 23/24 starter.
Much like in our first season back at this level, Rovers didn't look out of place against the big boys. A resilient and initially fluid display saw a 1-1 draw against Portsmouth followed by a disappointing but not dismaying 2-1 cup defeat to Ipswich. Rounded off by a dominant outing against Barnsley - albeit to share the spoils again. On all 3 occasions you would come away thinking Rovers just lacked that ultimate sepremo that Aaron Collins and Elliott Anderson provided us in the 2 previous campaigns.
Right from the outset in pre-season Rovers have looked exciting, even inspiring going forward. This was never more visible than when Rovers would snatch their first victory of this seasons adventure in the dying moments of our trip to Charlton. That game was end-to-end for much of it and Rovers would take the lead thanks to Scott Sinclair who himself has looked inspired at the start of this season. But Charlton were relentless and Rovers defence showed arguably their first signs of weakness this season as they easily pierced the Gas backline to equalise. And then, in the words of Luke McCormick:
"Chest! Bang! Goal!".
Macca would prove super sub and create the first "Limbs" moment of the season.
Rovers would then suffer their first defeat of the league 1 season when they met Cambridge who had had a decent start to their season. Despite 61% of the possession and relentless pressure Rovers couldnt do much with it and succumbed to two late goals. The 2nd in the 96th minute. This victory would send Cambridge top of the table after 4 games.
And it would be back-to-back defeats when Wycombe visited the Mem. Again plenty of impressive build-up play and a demanding 70% possession but for all their endeavour, Rovers would again fall short.
An element of flattering to deceive?
Rovers have looked impressive going forward, but as said earlier in this review, we've lacked that cutting edge.
There have been a number of standout performances in August. Tristan Crama immediately endeared himself to the Gas faithful with his performances and acknowledgement to the fans. Despite the loss, George Friend looked a handy full back with his display against Wycombe. Scott Sinclair has looked lively and inspired since pre-season and Luke Thomas has looked like he can put the frighteners on any defence every time he has the ball. Grant Ward has also looked a true work-horse in the midfield so far this season.
Off the pitch
There's been so much happening at the Gas in August.
First of all we lost some much loved members of the Rovers family. Bristol Rovers Supporters Club Chairman David Thomas sadly passed away aged 62. And long-time dedicated Gashead Gordon Smith also lay to rest aged 88.
Fan grumblings have continued to rumble on social media about the overall running of the club which has been beset with delays in everything from stadium redevelopment to kit releases. As well as concerns regarding the fan zone. We have seen a change in management with David Bright leaving his role as Head of Sales although the club stressed that media reports on this being linked to the delays were false.
We've seen a new owner take the helm with Mr Hussain Al Saeed taking a controlling stake to jointly own Rovers parent company Dwane Sports - which reportedly led to a 6 million pound plus cash injection to Bristol Rovers Football Club Limited.
And with the summer transfer window set to close today (Sept 1st), Rovers have to-date signed 12 players. Luke Thomas, Javani Brown, Jack Hunt, George Friend, James Wilson and Matt Hall have all signed on a free. On loan we've taken in Chelsea u21 wonderkid Harvey Vale and Ryan Woods from Hull City. Tristan Crama and goalkeeper Matthew Cox have both joined from Brentford B, and Lamare Bogarde has also rejoined.
We also saw Connor Taylor return to the Gas after his initial loan spell following a 350k transfer from Stoke City on a 3 year deal with a club option for a further year. And as we publish there is intense speculation that Jonson Clarke-Harris is being lined-up for a return to the Gas.
Outgoings has seen Harry Anderson join Stevenage on a free transfer along with the exits of Paul Coutts, Jamie Egan and Callum MacDonald also on free transfers.
James Connoly has left to join Morecombe on a season-long loan.
Its widely felt that we've done good business so far and signed some real quality which has raised expectations. However the start to the season has demonstrated that with the window still open, there's still big business that needs to be done.
UTG