John Buckley column: Rovers set the standard against Stoke

If this side can produce that sort of display on a regular basis until the end of the season, they will be there or thereabouts.

I’ve said before I believe we can get in the top six, especially now we only have the league to focus on.

Saturday’s display shows that Rovers can do it. But I think the manager had them believing in themselves before that. He already had the belief back.

They certainly played like they believed they could win against Stoke.

I was sat near James Coppinger on Saturday and he is impressed with how Rovers are set up now. Everyone knows the job that the manager wants them to do.

In the last 15 minutes how we did not get the ball in the net for an equaliser is beyond me.

But Darren Ferguson will be happy, not about the scoreline but because the performance was a good one.

Nathan Tyson and Andy Williams were their usual selves, causing problems for the opposition.

I said last week a big crowd would only help Rovers and I think that was the case. We just need to hope people will come back and league attendances can pick up.

A few players have left in the window but I don’t see a problem.

If Richie Wellens left and then Rovers started to struggle in midfield, maybe the manager gets asked questions. But the form since he left, and the way nobody has spoken too much about such a big player leaving, speaks volumes about the decision.

The squad looks good and there are even good options on the bench.

The team will have to bring their A-game when they take on Gillingham this weekend. Everyone has to be at it. But we’re starting to get little breaks now and the rub of the green is favouring us.

I know Gillingham are in terrific form but it’ll be a Rovers win.

Bucky’s charity bet: Rovers 3 Gillingham 1