Inigo Calderon has successfully quashed Bristol Rovers transfer fear for now | OneFootball

Bristol Rovers starting to see fruits to Inigo Calderon effect

Bristol Rovers head coach Iñigo Calderón can take some satisfaction from his side starting to implement his instructions on the pitch. Despite losing to Wycombe Wanderers on Tuesday evening, in a game that the Gas would probably rather quickly move on from, Rovers’ performances so far in February have restored some faith in an inconsistent and underwhelming season to this point.

There was strong enthusiasm at the start of the campaign, with the BS7 outfit seemingly having a strong summer transfer window bringing in the likes of Ruel Sotiriou and Isaac Hutchinson – two outstanding players from the season before at their respective clubs – and record signing Promise Omochere also arriving at the Gas highly regarded.

Enthusiasm following a strong summer recruitment from Bristol Rovers quickly doused

However, enthusiasm was quickly doused as the Gas started to struggle to inspire their support base. Rovers have frustrated fans at times this season by lacking a threat in the final third and installing concern among the fanbase at the lack of commitment shown by many of the players.

It perhaps came to a head in January when the Gas lost to Wigan and Charlton in two games where the team showed very little to excite, leaving Gasheads fearing the worst. During those games, they looked out of ideas, without a creative outlet, and displayed a stale final product, lacking that cutting edge.

It left many Gasheads exasperated and some urged the club to sign creative and dynamic midfielders during the winter transfer window in order to inspire the team when going forward. And when Luke McCormick left the club for Forest Green Rovers on loan, and then the transfer window slammed shut without an addition in this area, Gasheads would be forgiven for seeing a gloomy horizon.

Significant improvement from a more energetic Bristol Rovers

However, during the month of February, the Gas has shown significant improvements with notable contributions from new signing Matt Butcher and the returning Jack Hunt (pictured), who have both offered creative solutions. Perhaps less expected from Butcher, who signed as a defensive midfielder to help in defensive zones.

In recent times, Rovers have looked more energetic going forward, more fluid, more creative and braver in attempting to break down opposition defences. This despite concerns that the Gas didn’t end up signing a recognised attack-minded midfielder in the transfer window.

The recent recall of the bright young prospect Kofi Shaw may well have the effect of a new signing should he continue to showcase his talents in attack.

And while the picture may well look brighter for Bristol Rovers with recent strong performances helping to quash some of the fears, the poor performance against Wycombe on Tuesday evening will remind the Gas that they will need to look at adding to this area in the summer.