By Ty Jenner
On Tuesday, Bristol Rovers come to Stadium MK in League One. In preparation for the match, we spoke to Bristol Rovers fan and Her Game Too Co-Founder Lucy Ford (@LuceFord_) on Twitter some questions. Many thanks for taking part and a huge congratulations on the success of the Her Game Too campaign!
EDITOR – We have used the TT from the postponed game, hopefully it doesn’t spoil your enjoyment of this week’s offering.
- Are you happy with Bristol Rovers’ start to the season after being promoted from League Two last season?
It’s been a pretty average start to life back in League One, but Rovers tend not to do so well at the start of the season anyway! The last two home games against Shrewsbury and Morecambe have been frustrating, as ideally you want to be picking up wins and we have only managed two draws.
- Now that the transfer window has closed, what are your thoughts on the transfer window for your team?
I think we may be a little light; I wouldn’t be surprised if we brought in another player in the free agent market, but all in all we have had a decent transfer window. We all knew we probably weren’t going to get Connor Taylor or Elliot Anderson back on loan from Stoke City and Newcastle United respectively, but to get Luke McCormick back in permanently as well as James Connolly and giving new contracts to Aaron Collins and Antony Evans were shrewd bits of business.
- Based on the start of the season, where do you think Rovers will finish at the end of the season?
I probably expect us to finish around 14th, ideally top half would be great this season, but I expect us to be more around mid-table.
- What style of play can the Dons expect from Bristol Rovers on Tuesday, a high press or tightly knit defence and hit on the break?
Our defence has been a little leaky of late! The gaffer has got a style of football that he likes to play, out from the back, free flowing passing, so I’m hoping that is what we will play like on Tuesday!
- Will the expectations be to stay up this season, or do you think that Bristol Rovers can aim higher up the table?
I’d say the minimum expectation is to sustain at League One, there is no reason why we can’t push higher but one step at a time; this league is full of very good teams this season.
- Which Rovers players should we watch out for on Saturday?
Aaron Collins, who has been nominated for player of the month for League One, Bobby Thomas who we have just brought in from Burnley on loan; he had a very solid debut last week and scored the second equaliser. Luke McCormack as well, he’s getting back up to speed after not having much of a pre-season at his previous club.
- The Dons have had a laboured start to the season. Where do you think the Dons will finish at the end of the season?
I’m certainly surprised at your start; last season when you beat Plymouth Argyle on the final day of the season, I expected you to go on and win the play offs easily, so when you didn’t, I expected you to start off this season well! I expect you will be in the top half but maybe missing out on the play offs this time, like I said earlier, League One is such a competitive league.
- If you could have any current Dons player, who would it be?
Good question, I guess it has to be Will Grigg, purely because of how iconic his song is!
- Who or what made you support Bristol Rovers?
So, my Grandad attended his first Rovers game with his Grandad back in March 1950 and then started going home and away, taking his wife (my Nan) and his two daughters (my Mum and Auntie). My Dad also went to his first game in the 1970s and then in August 2006, he took me to my first game at the Mem, against Shrewsbury Town, we won 1-0 and I was hooked! I then started to go to more games with my Dad but also my Grandad, both home and away and now I can’t imagine my life without going to Rovers!
- Which game/s are you most looking forward to this season?
Derby away, purely because it is a new ground, and it is a big club to play against in this league. Also, Plymouth Argyle away as I went to university in Plymouth so I have some good friends who support Argyle who I can catch up with!
- Thank you for participating, it really helps us understand our opponents and what to expect from them. Finally, what do you think the score will be?
I don’t think we have the best record at Stadium MK, but I always like to be optimistic, so I’ll go 2-1 win for Rovers, Aaron Collins, and Sam Finley with the goals! Thank you and UTG!
