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Post by TugPhase on Jul 30, 2021 19:30:20 GMT
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Post by TugPhase on Jul 30, 2021 17:48:50 GMT
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Post by TugPhase on Jul 30, 2021 14:47:22 GMT
Bristol Rovers. Predicted finish: 13th.offtheline599656488.wordpress.com/2021/07/30/1-24-predictions-2021-22-league-two-season-preview/Off The Line Verdict Strengths
With an overhaul of their side necessary in wake of their relegation to League Two, Joey Barton has wasted little time in making the required additions, with their recruitment drive one of the best in the division and he has put together a side that is a good blend of youth and experience with a good competition for places in key areas Some of the players that Barton has brought in have good experience elsewhere of holding down a captaincy role, with the likes of Paul Coutts and Mark Hughes, and so that extra bit of leadership throughout the spine of the team is something that they were crying out for last season and thus their additions may be key Weaknesses
The continued off-field problems with Joey Barton and the uncertainty surrounding his position as manager are not conducive to a side that want to harness ambitions of getting promoted, and so The Gas hierarchy have a delicate decision to make in terms of whether or not they want to keep Barton at the helm or move on and find a new man to lead them into the season Given that they have brought in such a large number of players, it may take them a while to adjust to each others game and to gel as a unit, thus we may see a bit of a slower start followed by a stronger end to the campaign Prediction
Given the backing that Joey Barton has had during the close season, Bristol Rovers will come into the campaign as one the fancied sides to get promoted, and so it will provide us with an acid test of Barton’s abilities to make a side competitive at the top end of the division. After their relegation last term and Barton staying on in charge, a key challenge for Barton – even despite the overhaul of players – is the way in which he is able to shift the mentality of this squad. A good nucleus of last year’s squad does remain, and so having to go from a side disillusioned and confidence-shy at the bottom of the table to one that is capable of making that step-up back to League One will be a massive test. As expected, Barton wasted little time in being able to overhaul the Rovers squad, and I have been impressed with the additions that he has made so far. One thing that was evident last season was their need for leadership and experience throughout their side, and while they have added Paul Coutts and Mark Hughes – past captains of their side – the mainstay of their recruitment has taken on a more youthful look and so it will be important for Barton to be able to maintain that balance between young and old. Especially under a manager such as Barton, having the right dressing room dynamic is even more important than most, and so it will be interesting to see how that manifests itself. In my opinion, this season will go one of two ways. If he is able to get the best out of the players he has brought in and maintain a stress-free environment, free of any controversies, then they have all the makings of a side capable of going all the way. There is still that question over his man-management, as I think that the problems of a previous nature to that which saw Evans’ stay at Town come to an end may unsettle any promotion bid. He has shown so far in his managerial career that he is able to get a side competitive at the top end of the division with the work he did at Fleetwood Town, and this is going to be an even sterner test of his credentials given the mammoth expectation on his shoulders to not only be competitive, but to win promotion at the first time of asking. I really am not sold on Barton, and especially with the fiasco to sort out at the moment, any real positivity at the start of pre-season is perhaps dashed a little now. If they can sort out the mess at the moment, I think they have the squad to mount a push for promotion, but as it is at the moment I’m airing on the side of caution and being conservative. Fan Verdict – Caz (@cazjmay)
Where do you think Bristol Rovers will finish this year and why? It’s hard to say and I was miles off the mark last year!! I don’t think it’ll be easy to get out of League Two again straight away so I predict us to be between challenging for playoffs and mid table all season. I think Joey will need more than a season to get us out of it so I’m going with a 8th place finish and just missing out on play-offs. Which signing has impressed you the most so far and why? I’m excited to watch Aaron Collins as he impressed in our first pre-season game. Also Harry Anderson – I always look forward to watching wingers. It’s a position we have been lacking lately, so that’s exciting. Who is going to be your key player this year and why? If we can keep Sam Nicholson fit then he is going to tear up League Two! He is far too good for this league. He was arguably one of the best in League One when he was on top form. Who do you think will be promoted and relegated from the division and why? Promoted: Newport, Salford, Tranmere, Exeter. I feel like these clubs have been knocking at the door for a while plus Salford have money behind them and have made some good signings. Relegated: Swindon & Barrow. Swindon purely because they seem to be struggling financially and the club seems in a bit of a mess. I’ve gone with Barrow purely because they are one of the smaller clubs in the division and finished 21st last season. Who do you think will be the division’s surprise package and why? I think it’ll be Newport. Flynn is a great manager who narrowly lost out on promotion last seasons. They’ve also brought in James Clarke and Ed Upson who I think will be two solid additions in League Two. They may just make autos this year! If you could make a last minute signing, who would it be and why? We need a new striker with experience. It’s hard to suggest who to get without it sounding unrealistic/optimistic but someone of Paul Mullin’s caliber would be ideal. What are you looking forward to most about the return to football? I’m looking forward to the live atmosphere and seeing all my friends regularly again. I can’t wait to hear Goodnight Irene ringing around the stadium – I’ll finally feel at home again?
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Post by TugPhase on Jul 30, 2021 13:00:43 GMT
Other - Leyton Orient managed to get Kenny Jackett. Would have been delighted with him.
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Post by TugPhase on Jul 30, 2021 7:04:34 GMT
Suggested we should sign him last summer. Think we'd still be in L1 if we had. Get lots of energy and movement around him and think he could do a good job.
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Post by TugPhase on Jul 30, 2021 6:57:18 GMT
Pitman isn't it?
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Mansfield
Jul 28, 2021 17:11:19 GMT
via mobile
Post by TugPhase on Jul 28, 2021 17:11:19 GMT
I'm sure I've missed it but does anyone know what the deal is with ifollow yet? Are we still able to watch 3pm games?
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Post by TugPhase on Jul 28, 2021 13:05:56 GMT
Bristol Rovers Predicted finish: 9th. Last summer, Bristol Rovers were hopeful of a good season in League One after signing talents with high potential.
Defender Max Ehmer, midfielder Zain Westbrooke, Chelsea utility man Josh Grant and athletic striker Brandon Hanlan all arrived with rave reviews, but none of them truly backed it up – despite passable patches of form from the latter two.
Somewhere along the line, recruitment had gone awry: too much emphasis had been placed on the individual ability of these young players, and not enough on their strength of character.
The task this summer has been to sign leaders, so it is hardly surprising that the first four additions – controller Paul Coutts, ball-winner Sam Finley, defensive organiser Mark Hughes and left-sided defender Nick Anderton – had all been named captain previously in their respective careers.
The latter two have been brought in to provide much-needed guidance for Alfie Kilgour and Cian Harries, who remain talented defenders despite their roles in a rudderless Rovers rear-guard last term; towering centre-back Connor Taylor adds to the collection, joining on loan from Stoke.
Further forward, Aaron Collins and Harvey Saunders sign from Forest Green and Fleetwood while Luke Thomas joins on loan from Barnsley, with the trio plus Hanlan all being quick, willing runners.
Each of those players, like dribbler Sam Nicholson, prefer to play off a main focal point, rather than operate back to goal themselves: a role Jonah Ayunga is unlikely to have the maturity, intelligence or quality for just yet.
Much of Bristol Rovers’ squad is more than good enough for automatic promotion, but question marks remain, especially over the head coach position: Joey Barton is unlikely to start the season in charge, given recent legal accusations.
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Post by TugPhase on Jul 28, 2021 12:05:36 GMT
I've seen the first season preview, which I thought would be worth sharing for anyone that finds it interesting. A lot more coming out this week including League 2 1-24 predictions from various lower league experts so they can be added in here as they are released. Bristol Rovers 2021/22 Season Preview
Bristol Rovers Season Preview 2021/22: Does Barton have bouncebackability?
Right, let’s start by drawing a line under the 2020/21 season. 38 points from 46 games, three different managers and the indignity of finishing bottom is enough to bring even the most hardened fan to tears. The only blessing is that supporters weren’t allowed in to watch it, small mercies indeed. Ben Garner always felt like the wrong appointment for the Gas and Paul Tisdale’s 19 match stint was just surreal. Joey Barton arrived talking up their chances of survival but it became apparent pretty quickly that things were only going in one direction. So League Two it is then for Rovers, a division they will be hoping is not their home for too long. Despite the Mem being a ramshackle ground, the Gas should be at least a division higher. They are well supported and the owners can’t be accused of not backing their managers. Barton’s summer transfer business only serves to prove it. The former Fleetwood boss is facing a big task and one that will really test his managerial metal. Bouncing back from relegation is not easy, only Bolton managed it last season and it looked for a long time like they’d fall well short. Despite Barton finishing the 2020/21 campaign with Bristol Rovers, this should really be a new era for the club but the off-field behaviour of their manager has once again soured the mood at the Mem. The owners have asked for patience and unity but Barton is not a man who easily endears himself to those qualities and for that reason, the Gas remain in a kind of weird limbo. Not the ideal start to a season especially following relegation, let’s hope this doesn’t drag on or it could derail any hope the club have heading into the new campaign. The Squad
Goals were a big issue for Rovers last season, or lack of them to be precise. The Gas only hit 40, the fewest in League One and it’s not entirely clear how they will rectify that in 2021/22. Aaron Collins arrives from Forest Green but he can’t be described as an out-and-out goalscorer despite being a very good signing and Harvey Saunders is still unproven. Brandon Hanlan hit seven goals during the relegation campaign and you could reasonably expect him to add to that total this season, but more goals will be needed for promotion. Barton has added experience in Mark Hughes and Paul Coutts while Nick Anderton was captain at Carlisle in 2020/21. Sam Finley is a classy midfielder who should be a really good player in League Two as should the already present Josh Grant. Harry Anderson also comes across as a bit of a statement signing after the determined winger was released by Lincoln, a side he won two promotions and an EFL Trophy with. The Gas have also signed Trevor Clarke from Rotherham and Sion Spence from Crystal Palace on loan bringing the total additions this offseason to an even dozen. In net, fit again Anssi Jaakkola could be one of the best stoppers in the division. He missed a large chunk of last season with an Achilles injury and was badly missed but the addition of James Belshaw from Harrogate gives the club two good options in net. Newcomer to watch: Luke Thomas
Luke Thomas feels like a top, top signing for Bristol Roers. The winger impressed during his time with Coventry City in League One before going on to make 58 appearances in the Championship with Barnsley. Last season saw him make a loan move to Ipswich Town which didn’t work out well, but a season in Bristol could be exactly what the 22-year-old needs to recapture his best form. Verdict
Many will be touting Bristol Rovers as dead certs for an automatic promotion push and with a couple of proven strikers they may well achieve it but getting into the top seven is a far more realistic aim for Barton’s side. Things can take time to click, as we saw with Ian Evatt’s Bolton last season, but once they do Bristol Rovers have enough in the squad to be a challenger, however, it remains to be seen whether things off the field interfere. words James Richards, D3D4 Football d3d4football.com/bristol-rovers-2021-22-season-preview/
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Post by TugPhase on Jul 27, 2021 15:19:12 GMT
What other managers out there would bring this sort of circus and division to the club? Yeah. Pressure is on to do some pretty remarkable things on the pitch and, even then, is it worth it?!
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Post by TugPhase on Jul 26, 2021 18:28:50 GMT
Unbelievable move for Jonah. Really never looked like scoring many. Expecting Morecombe to struggle next season if Jonah is their main man. They are saying they want two players in each position so won’t necessarily be number one. I hadn't realised Stephen Robinson was their manager. Wasn't he linked with our job when Barton got it?
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Post by TugPhase on Jul 26, 2021 17:01:36 GMT
i know that many doubted him but this is a mistake. Agreed. Thought he showed enough raw potential to keep him, even as an impact sub that we develop if nothing else
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Post by TugPhase on Jun 7, 2021 14:01:12 GMT
I thought he was alleged to have pushed, punched and head butted him? People's elbow is what I heard
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Post by TugPhase on Jun 7, 2021 10:25:35 GMT
A bit about Csoka for anyone interested: He exclusively defends in serious and complex crime. ... and apparently any other case with a wealthy defendant.
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Post by TugPhase on May 13, 2021 18:22:36 GMT
For those criticising how many players are still under contract, it's worth bearing in mind the amount of players that have left us on the cheap/ free because of short contracts. It's a hard one to balance.. I make that only 1... Lockyer, Bodin, Ellis and JCH all spring to mind as players we could have got a lot more for if they had longer contracts.
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Post by TugPhase on May 13, 2021 17:48:22 GMT
For those criticising how many players are still under contract, it's worth bearing in mind the amount of players that have left us on the cheap/ free because of short contracts.
It's a hard one to balance..
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Post by TugPhase on May 10, 2021 13:15:05 GMT
For what it's worth, I saw this on Twitter earlier. Some interesting graphics - generally, we actually fair pretty well and are roughly midtable. Unsurprisingly the one exception and where we really fall down is 'attacking effectiveness'
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Post by TugPhase on May 9, 2021 20:52:12 GMT
What have I wandered upon!? Careful it might be slippy! I'd make sure you wipe your feet well
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Post by TugPhase on Apr 30, 2021 9:53:01 GMT
Will my physique definitely look like these when I put the shirt on? If so, I'll have ten...
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Post by TugPhase on Apr 24, 2021 19:39:32 GMT
Tracey out!
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