Jon Jerrome knows that keeping the goals of Rickie Lambert is key to Bristol Rovers promotion hopes
Lambert the talk of the town down in Bristol
Bristol Rovers correspondent Jon Jerrome hope that his side can see off the suitors of Ricky Lambert so he can help net a Championship spot next year.
So another nine months packed with tension, heartbreak and ecstasy is soon upon us.
As ever, August brings a sense of renewed optimism and belief that this will be our year despite the anticipated strength of a new look League One line-up.
The season ahead promises to be a rollercoaster of emotions as Paul Trollope's men aim to build upon recent progression and take Bristol Rovers back to the second tier of English football for the first time in seventeen years.
In a quiet summer at the Memorial Stadium, the club has witnessed the departures of defenders Craig Hinton, Ryan Green, Joe Jacobson and perhaps most surprisingly of all Craig Disley who played an integral part in the centre of midfield since his arrival five seasons prior.
The four have been replaced by two free transfers in the form of MK Dons right back Carl Regan and in demand Stockport midfielder Dominic Blizzard who will be keen to shake off injury problems which have thus far blighted his career.
Interest
However much of the club's summer transfer activity has focused on retention. Forget John Terry, forget Ronaldo, the real transfer talking point in North Bristol has been the battle to keep hold of joint League One golden boot holder, Rickie Lambert.
The attacking spark, the cool finishing and the outright sublime which was frequently evident from the Scouser last campaign has inevitably drawn interest from clubs in the higher reaches of the Football League.
Despite the continued speculation linking Lambert with a move away, the apparent reluctance of clubs to take a gamble on an aging player bodes well for next season's aspirations.
With Lambert's presence pivotal to the attacking flow of a side which notched an impressive 79 league goals last term, Paul Trollope will hoping his leading marksman will be able to build upon his effective partnerships with striking duo Darryl Duffy and Joe Kuffour.
Progress
So is it to be a relegation battle, mid table mediocrity or a promotion push?
The heart says the latter is more than achievable should the side achieve a greater consistency in performances. After continued progression in league finishes throughout Trollope's successful four year reign, there is genuine hope of a top six place amongst supporters.
The club also have a Director of Football in Lennie Lawrence who possesses the experience of promotion from League One which could prove vital. Added to which, we should feel privileged our Director of Football has the knowledge to name the other 23 clubs in his league, a luxury surely not held by his counterpart at Notts County.
Whilst my heart dreams of champagne being popped in May, the head tells me a season in the mid regions of League One is more realistic. With limited additions made to an already thin squad, a series of injuries and suspensions have the potential to derail our aspirations for success.
A top ten league finish combined with a healthy run in a cup competition would represent a decent season.
Can Lambert fire Rovers to promotion? Will Lawrence's experience pay dividends in the League One dogfight? Join in the FanZone debate by filling in the feedback form below...
