Joey Barton believes Bristol Rovers' aim to be competing in and around League One's top six next season is "certainly attainable" after being underwhelmed by promotion-chasing opponents Sheffield Wednesday and Derby County.
Off the back of Saturday's deserved draw with the Rams, Barton's Gas acquitted themselves well again against third-placed Sheffield Wednesday, suffering a narrow 2-1 defeat at the Mem on Tuesday after John Marquis had an equaliser controversially ruled out for offside in the closing stages.
Barton's frustration with referee Josh Smith and his assistants was high in the moment as a three-game unbeaten run came to an end, but looking at the big picture, he sees no reason why the club cannot compete near the top end of League One next term – despite the greater spending power of other clubs – having consolidated their place this season.
