Trollope happy with openers

Rovers manager pleased with first few fixtures of the season

By James Evans   Last updated: 21st June 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Trollope happy with openers

Trollope: Content with opening fixtures

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Bristol Rovers manager Paul Trollope admitted he was happy that his side avoided the league's big guns in the opening fixtures.

The Pirates begin their League One campaign at home to Leyton Orient on 8th August before travelling to Stockport County a week later.

Trollope's men welcome League Two outfit Aldershot in the Carling Cup in between the two openers, as Rovers look to better their first round exit at the hands of Watford last term.

In fact Rovers do not meet a top-eight team from last season until they face play-off finalists Millwall in their sixth league game of the campaign.

"As all managers will be saying, we're looking for a good pre-season and a good start to the campaign," Trollope told skysports.com.

Eyeing good start

"I'm happy that we've avoided a lot of the bigger clubs in the division - no disrespect to the teams that we will begin against - so we're looking to start well and we've been given a good chance to do that."

The Pirates boss was also looking to have a good run in the League Cup and again he couldn't complain with the first round draw.

"We're looking to do well in every competition, as last season we went out in the first round of each cup with games away from home," he added.

"We do have a good history in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy and the FA Cup and although Aldershot did do well in their first season back in the Football League last season, we will be looking to take advantage from the home draw."