'Old school' Evans having impact says Kilgour

Bristol Rovers captain Alfie Kilgour says his side are starting to feel the impact made by manager Steve Evans.

Evans, 63, took charge of Rovers before Christmas and has won just three matches so far.

Rovers go into this weekend's clash with Grimsby just two points above the relegation zone in League Two but Kilgour is confident the wily manager will see them safe.

Kilgour told BBC Bristol: "I know for a fact we've got more than enough to be fine this season and see where we're at going into next year. I can put my hand on my heart and say I'm confident in that.

"Everyone is in this together, we're going to get safe and kick on next season.

"I've played against his [Evans'] sides throughout my career and they've always been hard to beat, nasty and tough. He's trying to instill that in this group and I believe it is starting to rub off on us.

"He's old school, he's got great experience and he's been around the block."

Rovers won back-to-back games at the end of January to open up a gap on the bottom two, but three straight defeats have pulled them back into trouble.

Kilgour says the club's passionate fanbase could prove a difference maker with seven home games left.

He said: "It's been tough. At Oldham on Tuesday night, to see 400-500 fans stood there was great and I made sure I showed my appreciation to them.

"I just want them to stick with us and I know they absolutely will, they'll have our backs and be with us all the way and be our 12th man.

"When the ground's bouncing it doesn't half make a difference and give us a push in the right direction."