Midfield was a power base from which Joey Barton helped construct Bristol Rovers' promotion to League One. On the defensive, he had the trusted Paul Coutts and Glenn Whelan to rely on. Looking forwards, Sam Finley and Antony Evans were star contributors.
But as things stand, Coutts and Finley are the only ones certain to be back in blue and white when the new season begins at the end of July. Thus, the Gas have two excellent pieces to build around, but also plenty of recruitment – or negotiation in Evans' case – to do over the coming months.
The free agent market is sure to be an area of focus for the Gas as they prepare to step up to the third tier, and here are some of the midfield options Barton could consider trying to add to his squad...
Callum Camps
This list has to start with the obvious name: Callum Camps. The former Fleetwood Town man was heavily linked with Rovers in January, when Barton was eager to add to his attacking midfield options.
It came down to deadline day, when the Gas first tried their luck with Camps and Liam Sercombe, before taking Elliot Anderson at the eleventh hour. It worked out beautifully for the Gas, with Anderson proving to be a revelation, becoming the star of their promotion push.
But a few months down the line, Camps is still a player to consider for the Gas after his Fleetwood exit at the end of his contract. He had a close relationship with Barton at Highbury Stadium and was eager to join forces again midway through last season.
Should Antony Evans decide his future lies elsewhere, Camps, aged 26, is the kind of player who could help to fill that void. Admittedly, last season was not as fruitful with three goals and six assists in 31 games compared to the nine goals he scored the year before, but he is a known quantity in a position of need for the Gas.
Matt Butcher
Next on the list is another player who has already been linked with Rovers' in Accrington Stanley's departing holding midfielder Matt Butcher. The 25-year-old has turned down a new contract at the Wham Stadium and has the makings of a sensible acquisition where Rovers need more depth.
At 6ft 2in tall, he was a strong presence in front of Accrington's defence and he chipped in with four goals and three assists, but he has decided his future lies elsewhere, with reports suggesting he is on the radar of the Gas and Bradford City among others.
With more than 75 League One appearances under his belt, he would be the kind of player who could help Rovers transition into the division, while also having room for improvement at 25 years old.
Conor McGrandles
Lincoln City were dealt a blow when dependable midfielder Conor McGrandles confirmed he would not sign a new contract and wanted to pursue opportunities elsewhere as a free agent.
The 26-year-old may not be the most eye-catching player with two goals and a single assist in the third tier last season, but he is effective with a pass accuracy of 83 per cent. Twelve yellow cards suggest he isn't shy about getting stuck in, either.
The Gas have quality in that position already with Paul Coutts and Sam Finley to call upon, but the addition of a player like McGrandles would give the manager depth and a rounded range of options for a taxing 46-game campaign.
Jamie Hanson
Injuries have prevented Jamie Hanson from kicking on after Oxford United paid a six-figure sum to sign the utility man from Derby County in 2018.
After 86 appearances, his four-year deal at the Kassam Stadium is up and the 26-year-old is set to move on.
Injury meant he could only play four times last season, which will be a red flag for any interested teams, but the talent is there if can gradually build a run of games, as well as versatility to occupy a number of roles in midfield and defence. A risk worth taking?
Korey Smith
The fact he is something of a hero on the south side of the city may be of concern to some, but in terms of the player alone, Korey Smith has the makings of a smart addition to most League One teams.
The Londoner spent six successful seasons at Ashton Gate and has almost 400 EFL appearances to his name, never playing below League One level.
At 31, he ought to have plenty of football left in him after his release from Swansea City. He made 35 Championship appearances for Russell Martin's side last season, laying on four assists.
Still based relatively locally, geography could be a consideration with family in mind, which would narrow the midfielder's options, and – past allegiances aside – he would add nous and quality to a Rovers midfield hit by the departure of Glenn Whelan.
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