As we approach the First Round of the FA Cup this weekend, it represents a good opportunity to take stock of what has been a fantastic start to 2024/25 National League season.
Currently sitting second in the table thanks to some fine performances on the pitch, Rovers have recorded 10 wins from 16 league matches to date.
Those performances have seen Rovers represented in the National League’s Team of the Week on 12 occasions, with eight Rovers players earning rightful spots.
Goalkeeper, Jed Ward, made this weekend’s Team of the Week for the second time this season following an inspired performance between the sticks in our draw with Woking.
Ward’s first appearance came following an unbeatable showing during Rovers 538-mile round trip victory over Gateshead keeping one of his seven clean sheets so far this season.
Midfield maestro, Charlie McCann, is enjoying his best season in a Rovers shirt picking up five goals and four assists in all competitions seeing him lead the way with three team of the week appearances.
McCann picked up his first appearance following our 3-0 win over AFC Fylde in which he scored a delicious free-kick before featuring again following a commanding performance against Eastleigh where he picked up a goal and an assist.
His most recent appearance came following Rovers 3-1 midweek win over Ebbsfleet United.
Another player to have made multiple appearances is club top scorer Christian Doidge appearing on two occasions this season.
Doidge earned his first spot following a brace against Boston United, alongside Liam Sercombe also earned his team of the week appearance after his brace and halfway line goal.
And Doidge bagged his second appearance three games later following a solid performance, including a stunning volley during Rovers late 2-1 win over Altrincham.
Kyle McAllister, who is enjoying a scoring run of three games, earned his maiden spot following his late strike against Braintree Town.
Defenders Ryan Inniss (vs Solihull Moors), Ben Tozer (vs Sutton United) and midfielder Adam May (vs Hartlepool United) have all earned a single team of the week appearance so far this season.
Manager Steve Cotterill has been at the helm since January 2024 - winning 17 of his 34 league matches in charge including a points per game ratio of 1.65.
His impact has been crucial to Rovers' turnaround in fortunes. Cotterill's eight summer additions have all made either impactful debuts or big contributions to the team so far this season, too.
