Gas Gossip: Top ten place is minimum target (From Gazette Series)

Bristol Rovers fans' panel by Jeff Bolitho

10:30am Friday 6th August 2010 in Sport

AFTER England’s dismal showing in the World Cup, it’s a welcome return to the nitty gritty of the Football League as another season gets underway on Saturday.

Fans disillusioned with the performances of Rooney, Lampard, Terry and co will no doubt be eager to see the passion and endeavour that League One brings.

It will certainly be another tough division to get out of, despite not having to face Leeds, Norwich or Millwall after they all sealed promotion last season.

Southampton will justifiably be favourites but the likes of Sheffield Wednesday, Huddersfield, Charlton, Peterborough and Plymouth will all be expected to be competitive and will provide some appealing fixtures.

Swindon may struggle to emulate the heights they reached last year, having lost the services of their star striker Paynter, but they should still be in the reckoning.

The Pirates have to improve on last season’s 11th finish and a top ten place will be the minimum target required.

If the reinforcements Trollope has secured this summer gel quickly, however, then a play-off place may not be an unrealistic goal.

We seem to be well off for midfield players and I am confident the signing of Wayne Brown will add quality to the team.

Hoskins also sounds like a striker with a point to prove who is hungry to score goals again at this level but a target man is still needed.

The acquisition of Sawyer at left back also adds Championship experience but much will be expected of Tunnicliffe at centre back, alongside Danny Coles, to help plug the gaps in defence that were exposed too often last season.

The goalkeeper position has been a source of concern throughout the summer but it has now been agreed that Danish under-21 international Andersen will return to the Gas on a month-long loan.

Daniels’ injury was unfortunate but better that it happened before the season started so there was time to cancel the loan agreement with West Brom and find a replacement.

Let’s hope that Andersen and the rest of the defence are not too busy on Saturday as a trip to Peterborough looks a tough opening fixture.

Do you agree with Jeff’s views? Have your say below.