AS THE start of the new season draws closer, hopes are high among Gasheads that we can expect an improvement on last season’s creditable 11th place finish.

League One will be an even tougher proposition this year with the arrival of Charlton, Norwich and Southampton from the Championship. It would be a major surprise if those former Premiership clubs are not in the top six at the end of the season, even allowing for the Saints’ 10-point handicap for going into administration.

The usual suspects will be as strong as ever, with Millwall hoping to go one step better than their play-off final defeat, MK Dons will be competitive again under Paul Ince and surely it cannot be long before Leeds get it right and achieve promotion.

The strength of the division offers some mouth-watering encounters for Rovers fans once again and there is no reason to believe we cannot mount a serious challenge.

The Pirates have been steadily improving each year and Paul Trollope deserves praise for keeping a settled squad while making new signings to bolster key areas.

Keeping Rickie Lambert at the club is a huge boost to everyone and gives us a real chance in every game, as he is capable of conjuring up a goal from nowhere.

With Kuffour and Duffy providing their share of the goals and new signing Blizzard strengthening the midfield, we look a good prospect going forward.

Having a fully fit Coles back in the centre of defence will be like a new signing and his partnership with Elliott, if both can stay fit, could be one of the strongest in the division.

New signing Regan from the MK Dons should also boost the defence.

Pre-season form has been encouraging and three points against Leyton Orient on Saturday will be the perfect opening to what we hope will be an entertaining and successful campaign.

The occasion will also offer fans the chance to show their respect and appreciation for a true football legend and gentleman, Sir Bobby Robson, with a minute’s applause before the game.

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