The transfer window looms large but this time the anticipation is a little different for Bristol Rovers. Typically at this time of year, Gasheads are eager to see holes in the squad plugged with new additions.
But it is a testament to the squad that Joey Barton has built this season that there are no glaring needs. Of course, more quality and depth are always welcome and the Gas are expected to be active in the market, but for the first time in several years – save for any injury disasters in the final two games of 2022 – Rovers will enter the January transfer window without a sense of real urgency.
Earlier this year, for example, Rovers were improving gradually in the lead-up to the window, but there were obvious areas of need. Barton quickly acted to sign a striker in Ryan Loft and a centre-half in James Connolly, and Rovers were active all the way until the end of the window when they finally made a breakthrough with the inspired addition of Elliot Anderson on loan from Newcastle United.
