Ahead of tomorrow’s match between Lincoln City and Bristol Rovers at Sincil Bank in League One, we have done a Q&A with one of their supporters, so thank you to Gerry for answering the questions! Tomorrow’s referee is Scott Simpson and kick-off is at 15:00.
NEW QUIZ: How much can you remember from the last time The Imps played Bristol Rovers at Sincil Bank? Have a go at the quiz at the bottom of the page or simply CLICK HERE (opens in a new window)!
You can discuss what has been said in this article here, and get involved with our pre-match discussion!
How long have you supported Bristol Rovers?
Since March 1963, a 1-1 home game v Notts County.
What were and now are your hopes and expectations for the 2023/24 season?
At the start of the season, it was a 7th – 10th place finish (having finished 17th last season there was no way we would be Play-Off ready)
Now, anywhere in the top half.
What are your views on your manager?
I liked Joey Barton for speaking his mind BUT he came with an awful lot of baggage and since his sacking seems to have lost the plot.
Matt Taylor was my personal choice of the available managers at the time and he has been great. He is much more considered than Barton and has looked to shore up our leaky defence.
What are your views on your January transfer business?
Excellent!
Elkan Baggott on loan from Ipswich a 21-year-old 196 cm Indonesian international has improved in every one of his 7 starts after a shaky debut.
Brandon Aguilera on loan from Nottingham Forest is a 20-year-old Costa Rican U-21 International and made a stunning start with a ‘goal of the season strike’ in his debut in a 1-0 win at Exeter. Has played just 3 games after sustaining an injury and has just returned from rehab at Forest.
Kamil Conteh a 22-year-old signing from Grimsby for a 300,000 fee. At that price, he looks like a steal. A player that the team will be built around.
Harry Vaughan, a 20-year-old wide midfielder on loan from Hull. Has yet to make an impact only 1 start and played 164 minutes over 7 games.
Style of play and tactics – direct/passing/hybrid?
Under Barton it was very much playing out from the back, Matt Taylor is much more pragmatic. If the ball needs to go into Row Z, then put it there. With Chris Martin (signed on a free as a non-contact player in October) Rovers have a proven goal scorer albeit with zero pace. However, give him an inch and he is in there. The defence now seems to have settled to a 4 at the back with a 4-3-2-1 formation with the midfield varying depending on who is not injured or suspended. The defence is extremely young but has massive potential. Connor Taylor and Baggott are man-mountains who do not lack pace.
One(s) to watch now and in the future?
Keeper Jed Ward, Conor Taylor, Kamil Conteh, Anthony Evans and Chris Martin.
Random fact about your Club?
Was the last club that had never played in the top or bottom Division until relegation to the fourth tier in 2001.
Which were your favourite and least favourite matches involving Bristol Rovers?
Favourite, 2 May 1990, beating Bristol City 3-0 to take their top spot of the old Division Three. By winning the next game at Blackpool we went up as Champions, which they thought rightly belonged to them.
Least favourite 3 May 2014. Rovers 0 Mansfield 1. Rovers relegated out of the League on the last day of the season. A draw would have saved them!
At the start of the season, which sides did you think would finish in the top six and which did you think would finish in the bottom four?
Top 6: Derby, Bolton, Portsmouth, Peterborough, Barnsley and Oxford.
Bottom 4: Burton, Cambridge, Carlisle and Cheltenham.
What are your thoughts on Lincoln City?
On Fire! I think many of us are still bruised by that 6-3 win at the Mem last season when Joey Barton had a brain fart and played Glenn Whelan at centre-half! You look as though you have timed your run for the top 6 to perfection. Stevenage are obviously the team to aim for in the current 6. Above you, neither Oxford nor Blackpool look too impressive.
If you could steal one Lincoln City player for your team, who would it be and why?
Lasse Sorenson probably knows Conor Taylor from their time at Stoke. He is a regular starter and seems to have an eye for goal!
What is your prediction for this match?
Imps 2 Gas 1.
I would be delighted with a point!
"He is much more considered than Barton and has looked to shore up our leaky defence." (Q&A):https://t.co/tZKMVOCGjX#WeAreImps #BristolRovers #UTG
— Vital Lincoln City (@VitalLincoln) March 15, 2024
