Little more than five weeks remain in the transfer window and Joey Barton is eyeing several additions to his Bristol Rovers squad.
The window shuts at 11pm on September 1 and Rovers have areas of their squad in need of strengthening. Whether any signings are completed in time for the start of the season remains to be seen.
The Gas take on Forest Green Rovers at the Mem in the League One opener on Saturday, and the manager may have to turn to short-term solutions before he puts the finishing touches on his squad in the final weeks of trading. Here is the depth chart of options he has available...
Starting on a positive note, the return of James Connolly ensures one half of the promotion-winning centre-back duo has been tied down, and up front, John Marquis gives Rovers a reliable, high-intensity striking option that they lacked last season, forcing Aaron Collins to almost exclusively play down the middle.
Marquis is seemingly certain to start as Rovers' number nine on Saturday, enabling Collins to be deployed elsewhere in the attack. Also at the top end of the pitch, a three-year deal for Antony Evans is as good a piece of business as Rovers could do all summer.
Jordan Rossiter and James Gibbons have also been signed so far, helping to bolster areas of existing strength for the Gas. Rossiter fits in nicely alongside Sam Finley and Paul Coutts in the base of midfield and Gibbons is a strong option for several positions across a back four, or a back three, should the manager be inclined to use one.
However, Rovers are yet to rebuild the areas of their squad that have been heaviest hit by departures this summer. Replacing the likes of Elliot Anderson and Connor Taylor – or securing their returns – was always going to be a tough task.
Here are the areas of focus for the Gas in the remainder of the transfer window...
Centre-back
Centre-back is a known area of priority for the Gas, with the right-sided role in the first XI alongside Connolly up for grabs.
Barton would love to see Taylor return on loan again after playing such a pivotal role last in last season's success, but Stoke City are diligently assessing the defender's next steps. The expected arrival of former Swansea City, Fulham and Bristol City defender Alfie Mawson in the Potteries could increase the chances Taylor heads out on loan, but for now Rovers are in Stoke's hands.
That decision could take several weeks, and Rovers cannot wait forever if it is no certainty Taylor will be loaned. Luca Hoole's ongoing education in the centre of defence alleviates the shortage somewhat, but the latest – albeit minor – injury setback for Alfie Kilgour leaves Barton with limited options.
Don't forget, Cian Harries is another centre-back who left the club this summer. In an ideal role, Rovers will fill the depth role Harries played last season in addition to clinching Taylor's return, but there is plenty of work to do to make that happen.
Out wide
Losing Elliot Anderson, Sam Nicholson and Luke Thomas is a significant drain of talent to endure in one window, and so far the Gas have not plugged the gaps. Yes, Collins' availability as a left-sided attacker after Marquis was brought in to take up the central role does help, and last season's top scorer is sure to be effective in a role he has thrived in before his move to the Mem.
Harry Anderson is a great option, too; his ability, engine and character are significant assets for his manager But Rovers face going into next season weaker than when they were promoted. Perhaps that was inevitable with Elliot Anderson returning to Newcastle, given he was an other-worldly talent in League Two last season.
The flanks were an area of strength for the Gas last season, and that remains the case with Collins and Harry Anderson still involved, but Barton enjoyed a depth and variety of quality options last term – something which is increasingly important with the addition of two extra substitutions per game.
The manager has declared his intent to sign as many as seven players before the end of the transfer window, with two or three of them in attacking positions. Executing that plan will go a long way to ensuring the Gas are equipped for a challenging season ahead as they make the leap from League Two to League One.
Number 10
With Evans signed up, this may seem like a strange area of need, but with the move to five substitutions this season, there is a greater importance to have fresh legs and fresh ideas at the end of a game.
Barton said last week: "You see Eddie Jones talk about it with the rugby with starters. Now we’ve got five subs, people have got to accept there is going to be a finishing role, people who come on to finish a game."
Attacking midfield is a prime position that managers can make the most of their added flexibility in with the new rule, either when chasing or protecting a game. An injection of energy and a clear mind coming off the bench could provide the goal or assist needed to change a result in the closing stages.
Evans is a high-quality first-choice option, and Collins and Finley can fill this role too, but another player who can score and create – perhaps a left-footer to add variety? – would strengthen Rovers nicely.
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