September 2011

But for everyone connected with the competition, the Pirates’ trip to Adams Park was easily the fixture of the round going on last season’s epic encounter between the two sides.

On a chilly November night in High Wycombe, few pundits predicted a struggling Rovers side to beat their table topping League 2 opponents, let alone by a 6-3 scoreline.

To add more intrigue to the clash, Rovers have been buoyed with the arrival of new boss Paul Buckle, one of the most highly rated young managers in the game and a man desperate for success.

The manager, who has presided over an encouraging start to life in League Two, has completely overhauled his playing squad with 16 new faces arriving at the Memorial Stadium.

He said: “I’ve got lots of links with the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy from my time at Torquay United and I remember reading about that 6-3 game last season.

“We were a team of the round winner once and Danny Stevens won the Ultimate Finish award for the season, so I feel quite close to the competition. Let’s not forget Bristol Rovers’ achievement in making the 2006 Johnstone’s Paint Trophy final as well.

“We’ve brought lots of new players in and there are lots of things I am seeing that I like.

“There are still one or two more improvements to come on the training ground and there is a long way to go this season, but I think we can do well.”

With huge levels of potential in and around the club, Paul has the tough job of tapping into it and providing some long awaited success for fans to savour.

“There is a fundamental reason why the club has underachieved for such a long time. I’m struggling to think of the last big success fans could cherish.

“I think it is about getting the ethic right and spirit about the place and getting the lads to enjoy themselves.

“Any manager will tell you that gaining promotion is a difficult thing. I have tasted it recently and it always comes back to the same thing...Getting the right players in who will give absolutely everything for the club with the right attitude. That is success in itself.

“If we can get some wins on the board in the process then I think we’ll be heading in the right direction.”

Bristol Rovers travel to Adams Park on Tuesday September 6 at 7.30pm.

Johnstone’s. Bringing colour to the beautiful game.