Boring season

'Awful and fantastic in equal measures' - Bristol Rovers fans share their views on season so far..By Daniel Hargraves.

Bristol Live asked 10 Bristol Rovers fans for their views on a number of aspects of the current campaign as its conclusion draws nearer

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Bristol Rovers fans in attendance at the Mem

Bristol Live spoke to 10 Rovers fans to get their views on the season itself as well as subject such as Matt Taylor, recruitment, the current squad, on goings behind the scenes and more with it certainly apparent that opinions amongst Gasheads right now are somewhat of a mixed bag.

What have you made of the job Matt Taylor has done so far and what did you think of the appointment at the time?

Sean Smyth, 24, Cotham: "I think he’s doing the best job he can. These aren’t his players and I think he’s gotten better results than the previous manager who I wasn’t a fan of. The appointment took far too long to sort out but I think he’s the right man going forward and was the best appointment we could have made."

Aidan Merritt, 22, Little Stoke: "Matt Taylor has done about as well as any other manager would've done in this situation. With a squad full of players that most likely will not be sticking around next season, pulling off results against the likes of Bolton, Pompey and Charlton is great going. I'm looking forward to next season for sure."

Paul Cains, 52, Banjo Island: "He has done as well as could be expected, given the squad he inherited. We have been truly awful and fantastic in equal measures. Still buzzing from the departure of Joey B*****, I couldn't have cared less who we appointed."

Mark Connell, 54, Nailsea: "It started off well with wins against Bolton and Portsmouth but has been disappointing since then. He would have been my choice to be manager did well at Exeter."

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Matt Taylor's managerial record at Bristol Rovers across all competitions so far is nine wins, three draws and 13 defeats

Bryce T, 39, Zurich, Switzerland (formerly of Bristol): "I think Matt Taylor has done a fair job. He's inherited a squad that couldn't play in the style B***** signed most of them for and who don't seem to fit Taylor's own style. Add on top of that that a large chunk are at the end of their contracts and it has made Taylor's job very difficult. On the positives you look at Kamil Conteh and a renewed Luke Thomas and Antony Evans since Taylor's appointment and it gives me hope for the future.

"I was unsure of the appointment at the time as although he had had success with Exeter, he had struggled in the Championship (the desired destination) with Rotherham."

Jake Emett, 18, North London: "At the time I was relieved we signed a manager after the arduous month. Admittedly, I was unhappy to see Joey leave so abruptly, he still could have done well given a chance. After Taylor’s first interview I knew he had promise and I was happy with the decision overall. I am still a big fan of Taylor and love where the club is heading. He seems driven but down to Earth which is exactly what we need. Definitely needs a solid transfer window in summer."

Niall Massey, 27, Stapleton: "I thought Matt Taylor was the best candidate available at the time. He’d done well at a similar stature club in Exeter City and, despite Rotherham’s struggles, actually achieved their highest league finish since 2003/04. His time here has had some ups and downs already but he is statistically performing better than the previous manager, despite inheriting an unbalanced and injury-ridden squad. Given the circumstances, ensuring that we’ve not been dragged into a relegation battle represents a decent, if unspectacular, job so far."

Nick Hodgson, 62, London: "A good appointment. He is more measured in his interviews than his predecessor and comes across as knowing what he wants and expects from his squad. Exeter fans tell me that, given time, he will do an excellent job for us as he did for them."

Tom Butler, 45, Exmouth: "I think Taylor is doing an okay job in difficult circumstances. I was quite happy with his appointment although it didn’t excite me."

Josh Dunford, 20, Chipping Sodbury: "Taylor was the manager I wanted as soon as he became available. I think the results against Portsmouth and Bolton speak for themselves; give him a couple windows and we’re looking good."

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Bristol Rovers are currently 14th in the League One table with 50 points


How different are your views on the season now compared to what you expected in pre-season?

Sean Smyth: "Pre-season I’d expected that team to get top half and possibly be in with a sniff of the play offs with the players we signed. I think if we’d have started the season with Taylor and without some of the injuries we’ve had that’s where we’d be. We’ve still gone forward since last season so I’m still happy with how it’s panned out."

Aidan Merritt: "Night and day. On paper, bar a striker this was a strong team. Signings such as Jevani Brown, James Wilson, Luke Thomas and Jack Hunt seemed like amazing steps forward when pairing them with Grant Ward, Connor Taylor and Aaron Collins it seemed like we were in for a play off race, gutted it never materialised."

Paul Cains: "My views aren't any different. I expected us to start slow and finish midtable."

Mark Connell: "Well I thought we would be in the top six but injuries have taken their toll and now you realise we have far too many injury-prone players."

Bryce T: "To be honest, I didn't expect a lot out of this season. I never do when we make a lot of changes in the summer. We signed some great players in Wilson, Hunt, Brown etc. but with injuries, suspensions and just inconsistencies in tempo have really let the squad down as a group."

Jake Emett: "Pre-season I was extremely optimistic. I thought that Joey had brought in all the right players and the team would flourish under him. Now I am not so sure. No fight for relegation or promotion so it's all about seeing this season out with a few good matches and decisions on who will stay on at the Gas."

Niall Massey: "I was optimistic in pre-season that we could be in the play-off picture - we’d made some positive signings on paper and kept our key players - so in that respect, I feel we’ve fallen a little short. However, if compared to September 2, at which point many Gasheads were consigned to only having one recognised striker for at least the first half of the season, I think many would have been quite glad of all but guaranteeing a mid-table finish by early March."

Nick Hodgson: "Back in August I thought it would be a stretch for the team and manager at the time to make the play offs and that's how it's played out."

Tom Butler: "I was full of a lot of excitement and optimism at the start of the season like most fans based on the signings we made but it has been a complete and utter disaster a real let down."

Josh Dunford: "I was optimistic of play offs, however with B***** getting sacked and then taking a while to find a new manager, I think where we are currently is a decent finish."


What would class as a successful season now given where Rovers are with eight games to go?

Sean Smyth: "Realistically, we aren’t going to overhaul Leyton Orient to get top 10 so a top half finish would be a successful season and a clear step forward from last season. Either that or a positive goal difference, which I don’t think we’ve had in League One for ages."

Aidan Merritt: "Win the home games and just try to pick up points away really. There's nothing to play for and just showing fight for the badge is all anyone really is looking for now. That to me for now at least is a small form of success."

Paul Cains: "League position doesn't matter now, so finishing the season without picking up any serious injuries. Taylor needs to use these games wisely. They are important for him to assess the players and decide who we are going to take with us into next season."

Mark Connell: "To win at least four games and stop conceding ridiculous goals."

Bryce T: "In terms of finishing position...meh. I think I'd view this final part of the season a success if we got to see some of the academy prospects. It's been great seeing Jed Ward cement a place in the side, and Luca Hoole to some extent, and that must be really encouraging for other academy players. It would be great to see Jerry Lawrence get some game time and if possible get Harvey Greenslade and Ryan Jones back to be involved."

Jake Emett: "Contrary to widespread belief, I think I agree with a few takes I have seen on X. It is a successful season as we are on track for our highest finish in half a decade I believe. It is all about building for the future, such as a new manager and Conteh on a contract until 2027. If we can count infrastructure as well, I also see a success with the new stand, and behind the scenes operations also improving. I would say essentially parking the bus would result in a successful season. We have already had one in my eyes.

Niall Massey: "If bluntly talking about league position, I guess you’d say a top-half finish. However, I wouldn’t be upset if Taylor uses the remainder of the season as eight competitive friendlies to assess the squad ahead of a summer of upheaval and decisions. Trying players in different roles and giving a few young players minutes will represent some success, holistically at least, if the coaches and recruitment team learn exactly what is needed for next season."

Nick Hodgson: "Finishing just in the top half of the table. The table never lies and I think this would be a fair reflection of our season."

Tom Butler: "A top half finish would be pretty good given how the season has panned out."

Josh Dunford: "I think anywhere from 13th to 10th would be a success, especially with what Taylor has inherited."


If the season was to end today, who would get your vote for player of the season and young player of the season?

Sean Smyth: "Can I say Chris Martin even though he missed the first two months? If not, Antony Evans playing more as a 10 has been a revelation this season. Young player of the year has to be Connor Taylor. Give him the armband next year if Sam Finley moves on."

Aidan Merritt: "Chris Martin for sure, no pre-season and 15 goals? Fantastic return! We would be in trouble without him for sure. Young player of the season has to go to Harvey Vale, played out of position for the majority of it and still looked excellent in my opinion. Big fan of his, he's certainly got a future."

Paul Cains: "Antony Evans has been on a different pitch to the rest of the team and is my vote for player of the year. Kamil Conteh is our young player of the year. This lad is incredible. Make the most of him Gasheads, he won't be with us forever. Special mention to Connor Taylor, he is a mountain of a man."

Mark Connell: "Has to be Chris Martin without his goals we could be close to relegation. Either Jed Ward or Kamil Conteh for young player."

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Chris Martin has scored 15 League One goals so far this season despite joining Bristol Rovers as a free agent in September

Bryce T: "In my opinion, anyone who doesn't give young player of the season to Jed Ward needs to have their head examined. It's a difficult position at the best of times but with how that position has been managed this season with the bringing in of Matt Cox and then the situation around James Belshaw going out on loan and then leaving, I imagine it's been pretty stressful for all involved.

"As for player of the season, it's a difficult one because most have been unplayable in some matches and then armature in the next. My pick is probably going to confuse/enrage some people but I'll pre-justify it. I watch every game on iFollow as I'm based outside of the UK. I watch the positioning of our team and how much they want to be involved. This player always gets into good positions, makes good runs and makes themselves available. They are comfortable on the ball and generally have good passing range. And I honestly believe that if more players were more aware of the positions that he has got himself into then he'd have a handful of goals and assists this season. And that player is .... Lewis Gordon."

Jake Emett: "Jed Ward. Undoubtedly the best rise in modern Bristol Rovers history. So 100 per cent him for young player of the season. As for regular player of the season, I have more trouble. No one immediately jumps out to me. To mention a few names, Luke Thomas (who has been consistently performing in the starting 11), Connor Taylor (bar his injury is a class act), Grant Ward (similar with Condog and his injuries letting him down). Even Kamil Conteh hasn't had a bad match yet.

"But I would give it to Antony Evans. All season round he has been giving it his all, dying for the badge. A true Gashead and I would be surprised if we don't lose him in summer. And all of that is without mention golden boot contesting, Chris Martin. Unbelievably difficult."

Niall Massey: "Antony Evans for player of the season, without a doubt. He’s been our most consistent performer and has added more physicality to his game in the centre. Thomas would have been in contention before Christmas, while Martin’s goal scoring record is phenomenal, but Evans makes us tick.

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Antony Evans has had an outstanding season for Bristol Rovers

"Harvey Vale is my young player of the season. He’s shown his pedigree in a range of positions, including left wing-back, and dealt with the physicality of senior football impressively. Connor Taylor is a close second (depending on age cut-off) but has had a few injuries that make me favour Vale. When Taylor plays, he sets standards for the rest of the team and we look more assured; he's surely a future captain."

Nick Hodgson: "Luke Thomas and Jed Ward. Luke Thomas because he has been the most improved player for me this season, with a great work rate, and the ability to really influence games even though at times he's had to play out of his natural position. Jed because even though he's just broken through, he seems to be coping incredibly well with the pressure and he clearly has immense talent which we are finally having the opportunity to see."

Tom Butler: "My player of the year would be Antony Evans followed closely by Chris Martin. Young player of the year Jed Ward. Evans has had his most consistent season for us so far and has always given 100 per cent. He has even worn the armband and scored some great goals as usual. As for Ward, he waited patiently for his chance and has grabbed it with both hands despite playing behind a leaky defence. He has a great future ahead of him."

Josh Dunford: "Player of the season has to go to Antony Evans. We’d do a good job to tie him down with a new contract. Young player of the season would be Jed ward. Hopefully he’s pushing hard for number one next season."


What aspects or moments have you been most pleased or enthused by, be that a signing, a game, an action from the hierarchy or something else?

Sean Smyth: "You can’t beat a last minute winner can you? Two in two games at home under the lights at the end of the year in the East Terrace were my personal highlights. It’s a bit disappointing how those two games, followed up by Norwich in the FA Cup, could have been real statements and kick the team on in the way the Oxford United FA Cup game did in the League Two season instead of petering out but I don’t think we win either of those games with the old manager."

Aidan Merritt: "The South Stand development, although a rough process, is pleasing for sure. A fantastic show of intent and hearing about the new stadium developments are very encouraging. Looking forward to the future at the Mem."

Paul Cains: "Signing Kamil Conteh was a masterstroke. Whoever was responsible for scouting him, deserves a raise. The South Stand being completed has massively improved the atmosphere. Sacking B*****."

Mark Connell: "The Portsmouth and Bolton games and the signing of Kamil Conteh."

Bryce T: "I think Kamil Conteh has been a joy to watch since his arrival. Honestly, I was not excited by his signing as I hadn't heard of him and checking his stats didn't really grab me. Grimsby fans were evidently very impressed with him."

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20-year-old Jed Ward has impressed since taking the number one shirt in January

Jake Emett: "I have a slightly unique taste to this. I am pleased with some of the results we have achieved, particularly against Portsmouth, Bolton etc. but also the abundance of thrilling games we have experienced. Feels like a change from other seasons for sure."

Niall Massey: "The Kamil Conteh signing. Not just the fact he’s been outstanding but what it could suggest about our business going forward. He’s a young player with plenty of upside, who was statistically one of the best-performing players in the league below in regards to actions related to his role.

"He filled arguably the biggest hole in the squad at the time, whilst also adding energy and physicality to a squad that were largely devoid of these attributes. It was a smart transfer that made sense and bodes well for the expected summer rebuild."

Nick Hodgson: "Signing Chris Martin, winning at Stevenage, the owners announcing a sensible medium term strategy for the club (including staying at the Mem and redeveloping it)."

Tom Butler: "There have been some great performances this season. Wigan, Pompey, Bolton and Charlton come to mind just not enough of them. But I suppose the real plus this season is the building of the South Stand."

Josh Dunford: "I'm a big fan of the Conteh signing. No surprise that one of our best players this season has been a Taylor signing. I was also very happy with the meeting that happened with the supporters club. I could only hear positives."


What has been most disappointing for you?

Sean Smyth: "Jevani Brown. I didn’t agree with signing him and nothing I’ve seen from him this season gives me any indication he deserves to be at the football club."

Aidan Merritt: "The football...so much belief and positivity at the start of the season. The football has just not been up to scratch for me, 4-1 away at Burton was hard, the return fixture no better, Fleetwood (H) and most recently Lincoln. Just a shame as we have proved we can play. Pompey (H), Oxford (H), Charlton (H), Bolton (A) just some examples."

Paul Cains: "2024/25 season ticket prices for kids over 14 years of age are diabolical. I know three children 14, 15 and 16 years old whose parents can't afford to buy season tickets for them.

"Children should not be priced out of supporting Rovers. If we don't encourage the youth of today, we'll lose the paying parents of the future. It's a very short sighted pricing policy, that seems to have been given no thought. The prices for these kids as I type are £269, £309, £479, depending where you choose. Really?"

Mark Connell: "The whole Joey B***** saga. After the first game against Portsmouth...the season promised so much."

Bryce T: "I think the inconsistency in our performances. It's been hard to be excited about the next game because there has always been the feeling that 'it's coming' ('it' being either a thumping or a lacklustre performance). I sometimes think that iFollow should come with a pre-warning like 'some viewers may find the following match distressing'."

Jake Emett: "Most disappointing moment is hard to place a finger on. The loss of Aaron Collins is what my heart says, but it was clear he needed a move and couldn’t stay on at the Gas (not too unhappy with the £750k as well). My mind probably would say some of the severe miscommunication within the club. Namely, the Fruit Market shenanigans towards the front end of the season."

Niall Massey: "The inconsistency. We would have completed a double over the league leaders if not for a late equaliser in the away fixture, yet we’ve only picked up one point against the team placed 22nd. Injuries will play into this but, even ignoring this, some players have wildly varying performances from one game to the next."

Nick Hodgson: "Some fans still long for Joey. The owners made their decision, move on, and get behind the current management team."

Tom Butler: "The sacking of B***** was a massive disappointment. He should have been given until at least Christmas with a completely new squad that he put together. The season effectively being over in January and also not signing Jonson Clarke-Harris on deadline day was a real hammer blow."

Josh Dunford: "I was slightly disappointed with how long it took for Taylor to get his staff through the door, I can only feel that impacted his arrival slightly. Happy it’s now sorted though."


What are your thoughts on the way the club is being managed right now?

Sean Smyth: "I’m not sure what more the manager could be doing with a squad that aren’t his players and will look very different in September. It’s clearly going to be a massive summer and if what the owners are saying about wanting to be a Championship club in three years then he needs to be heavily backed, and we need to move away from signing more injury prone players because there’s no point signing players we’re only going to get 15/20 games out of."

Aidan Merritt: "I think the approach is right and Taylor often says the right things. The tactical approach slightly worries me for some games, but then that could come down to the players being on the beach. I'm a big fan of his but I fear if next season doesn't start strong then he may be in trouble."

Paul Cains: "From the outside it appears as if some decisions are made without much thought. Season ticket pricing for school kids being a good example. Generally though, I'm happy and truly grateful to have owners who clearly love the club, as much as I do."

Mark Connell: "I went to the Supporters Club meeting and was encouraged by the thoughts and ideas from Abdullatif [AlSaeed]. But we shall wait and see."

Bryce T: "I think we're heading in the right direction now. However, I was under the impression that a lot of what is now being set up, such as the scouting networks and the back room staff, was also announced as 'being set up' to pomp and fanfare under Joey B*****. On the pitch, I think we have a better manager now and off the pitch, I am personally glad that the Mem is being redeveloped. I just hope we don't lose our soul in the process."

Jake Emett: "Overall with the management, I have seen improvement throughout the season yet there is still a clear lack of communication between club officials and fans. Fans need to get their voices heard but also listen to what the club has to say. Fans also need to be willing to adapt if there is a solution to a problem that has wider benefits or is justified for the long run."

Niall Massey: "Talk from the board has been positive and the recent supporters club Q&A shows a commitment to improving communication. We’ve finally seen real stadium development, if only the South Stand so far, and the plans for the training facilities are ambitious but make sense. We’ve got a structured recruitment team in place, rather than a one-man band, and the board have made sensible comments on sustainability. I feel the club is safe under their ownership which, in this age, is better than can be said for a lot of clubs."

Nick Hodgson: "Off the pitch, if the club is to achieve Championship status in three years (and crucially, stay there) then upgrades probably needed to the business management side of things."

Tom Butler: "There have been some great strides made in order to enhance the match day experience for fans. I think it’s too early to properly judge the new owners but the new stand and the plans to develop the Mem are very positive."

Josh Dunford: "I’m happy all in all. Excited for the stadium plans to be revealed, as well as seeing what happens in the summer with the retained list and players that get brought in. It’s going to be an exciting time to be a Gashead over the next few seasons."

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Bristol Rovers' 2-1 win away at Bolton in December was a season highlight


Where do you predict Rovers to finish in the league table?

Sean Smyth: "12th, but now I’ve said that we’ll finish 17th again."

Aidan Merritt: "If we pick up the points, I believe we can finish between 10th-12th. I would be disappointed with a bottom half in all honesty, although I'm aware without Martin's goals it could be much, much worse."

Paul Cains: "It doesn't matter where we finish but, if pushed, 12th."

Mark Connell: "13th."

Bryce T: "I think we will finish 15th but I would like us to put some effort in. With both Bolton and Peterborough coming to the Mem before the end of the season we have the vindictive opportunity to possibly deny someone automatic promotion and with Cheltenham and Cambridge we have the opportunity to "et tu, Brute?" (look it up!) their season(s)."

Jake Emett: "I would say anywhere from 11th to 16th. We could find our feet and play out the rest of the season in a good light or we could continue with mediocre form and just slowly sink to the bottom end of the table."

Niall Massey: "14th with 60 points."

Nick Hodgson: "11th."

Tom Butler: "13th."

Josh Dunford: "I’d say 11th, so top half, which I would absolutely take for now. I think 10th is slightly out of reach, but 11th would be a decent finish."