The biggest indicator for Joey Barton as to what Bristol Rovers require to bridge the gap between mid-table in League One and the play-offs wasn’t necessarily what transpired on the field on Thursday night - although that was, of course, important - but more the atmosphere in the immediate aftermath.
Having fought back from 2-0 down to take a 3-2 lead, the Gas gifted victory to Exeter City with some questionable defensive decisions and a lack of nous to close the game out. As the players retired back to the dressing room and took their seats, there wasn’t enough noise being heard.
The levels of disappointment were palpable but, for the manager, he wanted that channelled through anger and audible frustration, not a sense of feeling sorry for themselves. An emotional reaction that was emblematic of aspects of their performance.
