Barton Wants Twelve

Joey Barton is already looking ahead to next season.

Bristol Rovers Manager Joey Barton is already looking ahead to next season after Rovers lost at Plymouth last night. In his post-match interview, Barton said if Rovers want to compete for promotion out of League One next season he will need twelve new players in the summer.  "I think we need to sign at least 12 players, that’s the reality," he said to TIB. "We’re going to lose a few and, obviously, loans are going to be included in that. "Although Barton says some of those new signings may already be in this season's squad. "I think some of those players are in that dressing room for sure. Some of the performances tonight, certainly Grant Ward. He’s been exceptional. Can we get a couple of the lads back? Lamare on loan? Maybe, possibly. Josh Coburn? Maybe, I don’t know."

Rovers are set to lose a couple of players in the summer with Paul Coutts contract up, Aaron Collins and Anderson are both attracting interest with several other players also out of contract in the sunmer.