AS ROVERS have now reached the half-way stage in their season, Gasheads can look back on the results so far with a degree of satisfaction.

After Rickie Lambert was sold after one game, many expected the team to struggle and there was a big question mark over where the goals would come from.

However, the players stepped up their game in the wake of his departure and have shared the goalscoring burden between them.

Kuffour has relished the responsibility of being our main striker and has caused problems for most defences this season.

The gap left by Lambert still has to be filled, however, as various partnerships have been tried by Trollope with limited success.

Lines and Campbell have been outstanding performers in midfield and we can only hope that Lines pens a new contract to keep him at the club as it runs out at the end of the season.

Loyalty is a rare commodity in football these days so it would be gratifying if he pledged his immediate future to the club that has supported him and his career up to now.

The form of Jeff Hughes has probably been the most surprising, yet welcome, aspect of the season and he has been our star performer, with a regular supply of goals and coolly taken penalties.

We hope there is much more to come from Mark Wright and some glimpses of his ability in the last few games offer hope for the future.

Andersen has looked comfortable in goal, while the full backs Lescott and Regan are as good as any around.

Trollope is still spoilt for choice in the centre back department and if we can eliminate defensive errors and add more potency to our strikeforce, there is much to look forward to as we chase a play-off place.

Events off the pitch could be even more significant, as fans are eagerly awaiting an announcement that the stadium redevelopment plans are on track and that funding has been agreed.

It the board of directors can provide that news it could prove to be the catalyst to drive the club forward and ensure plenty of good cheer in 2010.