The manager of Bristol Rovers, Matt Taylor, urged Gasheads to bring as much good energy as they could for the upcoming season in a long and passionate interview.
The Rovers owner also said that he understood some of the more vehement criticism from the supporters.
Matt Taylor makes a call to arms for Bristol Rovers
Speaking to the club’s media, Taylor discussed the supporters’ response to the campaign’s ups and downs and urged optimism going forward.
“Seeing our fans firsthand, I’ve probably seen the best and worst of that in a short space of time,” he replied when asked about his experience being accepted into the Gas family.
“I recall my very first game at home. I believe it was the Cheltenham match; it was a dull 1-1 draw, and we played a really bad first half, so it was obvious why the supporters got upset after 30 minutes.
Then, the team emerged victorious against Portsmouth and Charlton, and the first half of the match against Norwich was as boisterous as I’ve ever heard the Mem. However, as our forms waned, there were evidently some disgruntled fans, which is completely understandable, and they were likely disappointed and frustrated with the team’s performance, which is always the manager’s fault.
“As a manager you have to take everything at face value, but it’s always your responsibility and one thing I’ll say is we need as much energy from outside moving within as much as inside to outside as we possibly can and if that can be positive energy, then absolutely brilliant.”
A two-part season
The Gas will remember 2023–24 as one of two halves after losing to Wigan Athletic at the end of the season. After such a positive and inspiring summer transfer window under Joey Barton, both inside and outside the team, Rovers would end up with three different managers in charge and a mid-table finish in 15th place.
Even so, the Gas will view this as a step forward and a season of consolidation, concluding with a higher point total than they did in their inaugural campaign in League One the previous year.
In an interview with the club’s media, Taylor expressed his excitement for a busy summer.
“It’s a lot of work, but we’re doing it with good people and good intent,” he went on. When it comes to our contributions and personalities to this football team, we must be extremely astute and practical. We want to elevate this club to the next level, but it will take time. Over time, the procedure will remain constant. We have a solid base upon which to grow.”
As the summer approaches, Taylor is aware of the significant task before of him. The release of their retained list has left Rovers with a good but diminished group, and they will need to start the summer strong. Taylor would also mention the importance of unity and connection within the football team at all levels.
“I know that this group needs help from myself, the staff, the club, and the fan base as well,” he remarked. We want to start working toward something exceptional, and in order to accomplish that, you need the support of your followers.
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