Paul Trollope's side only won five home league games last season (Getty)

Bristol Rovers first team coach Paul Trollope says he is pleased to be starting the new season at home.

Rovers will kick off the 2008/09 campaign against Carlisle at the Memorial Stadium on Saturday 9 August.

He told BBC Radio Bristol: "I don't think we've been at home on the first day for a number of years so it's good to get a home fixture.

"We especially want to start at home on the right foot after last years record which was disappointing."

Interview: Bristol Rovers first team coach Paul Trollope

Rovers enjoyed one of their best wins of the season last year against Carlisle, winning 3-0, and Trollope is keen for a repeat performance.

We ended up consolidating last year and we want to improve Paul Trollope

He said: "It's a good game against a side who missed out in the play offs, so hopefully on the day they'll have a little bit of a hangover after that and we can record a nice early win."

Rovers were scheduled to play at Cheltenham's Whaddon Road next season, but that was scrapped after plans to re-develop the Memorial Stadium were delayed for a year.

"Obviously there's been a few issues over the summer but that's settled now. It's another year at the Mem, we know where we are," said Trollope.

"There's been quite a bit more money spent on the pitch which is great, obviously that will help us and we're looking forward to it.

"We ended up consolidating last year and we want to improve. We want to create a good home record and produce some good performances at home to make sure the crowds enjoy it and hopefully they come back to see us every week."