Bristol Rovers Season Preview: Bodin the main man

A 10th place finish following back-to-back promotions completes a wonderful three years for Bristol Rovers. Before then, the club had long been underperforming in League Two – so did it take the shock of that Football League exit in 2014 to ‘awaken the sleeping giant’? The Football Lab speaks to supporter Reece Chambers of RC Blogs and Articles about life at the Mem.

In hindsight, there is no doubting that relegation in 2014 was one of the best things to happen to the club. The Al Qadi takeover was largely based on the passion and potential shown at the club, following promotion from the Conference. Not only that, but the players and staff were given a wake up call. Having said that, Rovers may have avoided relegation had Darrell Clarke taken charge sooner.

Seven of your eight most used players last season played key roles in your 14/15 National League promotion campaign and none of them have left this summer. Can the same group of players push for another promotion, or must ruthless decisions be made at some stage?

The decisions have started. Mark McChrystal, captain during the promotion season of the Conference season, has moved on, as have others. Darrell Clarke isn’t a man to rest on what he has, he’ll always be looking to improve. More changes will be made this summer and rightfully so if Rovers want to push for promotion. Strength in depth will be key.

Wide forward Billy Bodin is the odd one out from the above statistic, scoring 13 goals last term. Does his form make it hard for Ryan Broom to get a run of games?

Possibly. Bodin is head and shoulders above the rest of the forward line in terms of ability. Broom was given some game time towards the end of last season but whether he will feature in a side chasing promotion this season will be down to whether or not Rovers can get their transfer targets.

You averaged 1.7 goals per game with Matty Taylor in the team, 1.2 after his controversial move. Aside from Ellis Harrison’s new contract, are you surprised you’ve not signed a striker?

Not at all. Darrell Clarke is not one to panic. There’s no doubt that he’ll be working hard behind the scenes in order to find the right signings. Of course, a striker will be at the top of his priorities but there is still plenty of time to find the right player and, perhaps more to the point, the right price.

Once Taylor left though you did improve defensively. How strong was the partnership of Tom Lockyer and Ryan Sweeney? Who replaces the latter this year?

The defensive security provided by both Sweeney and Lumley was a welcome arrival in January, perhaps a shame we dried up in front of goal. They complimented each other very well. Peter Hartley has left the club so I would expect the club to have replacement lined up. If not Sweeney, something close to his ability would not go amiss.

Another January loanee was Joe Lumley, who has gone back to QPR. Are they big shoes for Sam Slocombe and Adam Smith to fill?

I’m yet to see Slocombe play but I’ve seen Smith on a number of occasions. What I’ve seen of him he’s been fairly stable and commanding. Other than Lumley, Rovers haven’t found a suitable replacement for Steve Mildenhall, perhaps Smith could be that. Only time will tell.

Midfielder Ollie Clarke scooped two club Player of the Year awards for 16/17 – and more importantly, made The Football Lab’s Team of the Season! Was he your most improved performer?

What an honour, I’m sure he’ll be delighted with such an accolade! I’ve always been a fan of Clarke but consistency was his issue. Last season, though, saw him improve on that front, scoring a few belters along the way. I’m excited to see him play with new signing Liam Sercombe this year.

The club released 11 players this summer. Of those, were you most surprised to see Cristian Montano depart?

Perhaps, yes. He’s a good asset on the wing, but I’m not sure he always had the mentality Darrell Clarke demands from his players. Indeed, he did a good job for the club and I thank him for that. But, if the boss thinks there are better players in the market, decisions need to be made in order to make the club promotion contenders this season.

Full-backs Daniel Leadbitter and Lee Brown have been at the Mem for a while – what did you make of their performances last year?

Both very consistent performers for the club. Lee Brown played every minute of the 2015/16 season so some rotation last season was not a surprise. I’d like to see a full-back or two signed for the upcoming season. Strength in depth will be key to a promotion push.

What are your thoughts ahead of the League One season as a whole? Any potential dark horses for you?

Some big names have stayed in the league, Charlton etc, as well as Portsmouth and Blackburn both arriving so I’m excited to see how they line up. I expect a highly competitive season, just like the last. Fingers firmly crossed that no one runs away with the title, like Sheffield United last season.

Where will you finish?

Oh, I wish I knew! The state of the squad come August remains to be seen but I expect 5-8 more signings to be made. If two or three of those can become consistent performers (preferably in front of goal!) I would be hopeful of a play-off spot. But, as we all know, football is a funny old game.

The Football Lab’s Verdict

As well as Bristol Rovers have done over the last three years, slow summer business means they continue to rely on the same stalwarts. Lockyer and Ollie Clarke should enjoy another good season, but unless fresh quality is added in forward areas, progress may be halted. 15th