Twentyman Talks Back: 30 April 2009

By Geoff Twentyman
BBC Bristol

Maynard has scored 11 goals for Bristol City

So the football season is almost done and almost dusted for the Bristol teams.

It's strange really as in recent years City and Rovers fans have "enjoyed" the excitement, the stomach-churning drama of chasing promotion.

This season there's a sense of anti-climax and what might have been.

To finish in the top half of the Championship is no mean feat for Gary Johnson and his players.

City's inability to turn home advantage into wins has been the biggest single reason why they have not finished higher.

The mathematics emphasise the problem. Thirteen draws equals 26 dropped points. So why so much equality? I think City have been lacking in all departments.

Defensively they have conceded too many goals, certainly too many late goals. In midfield Marvin Elliott is a key player. His driving, purposeful play was missing for far too long due to injury.

A greater level of creativity from both the flanks and the middle of the park would have produced more chances.

For many the jury is still out on Nicky Maynard. I think the youngster has many attributes and will score goals as long as he is given a reasonable supply of opportunities.

It seems Dele Adebola is leaving. I can't blame him. At his age in life the pursuit of a two-year contract is understandable.

Gary Johnson has spoken about 'four in and six out'. He needs to tap into the Premier League and existing Championship personnel to attain the improvement needed.

The right signings could deliver a top-six finish next time.

I think the Rovers squad needs to be freshened up. Three or four new faces would really brighten things up

Geoff Twentyman, BBC Bristol

The pre-season challenge for Rovers was to score more goals. This aim was achieved with some aplomb.

Rickie Lambert took the League One defences apart. His four-goal return at home to Southend remains a very bright memory.

Jo Kuffour was an inspired capture and Darryl Duffy may have been slow out of the blocks but he made up for lost time as the season evolved.

The triumvirate has made Rovers one of the most potent teams in the division.

Generally the consistency of performance has been the main problem. As I write this 16 wins and 17 defeats is why Rovers are in a mid-table position.

I think the Rovers squad needs to be freshened up. Three or four new faces would really brighten things up.

They are well off for strikers - assuming Rickie Lambert is not sold in the summer recess.

A centre-back and a couple of midfielders are where they need to focus their recruitment drive. Hopefully Danny Coles will be fit next season. The defender has been a big miss.

Rovers fans should also be optimistic, the club is definitely going forward. Paul Trollope needs to be brave in the close season and if he makes the right signings they should spend most of next season in the top half of the table and could also make the top six.

Geoff presents the Twentyman Talks Back football phone-in at 1900 BST on Fridays on BBC Radio Bristol and BBC Radio Somerset. If you missed the latest programme, listen to it now.