Liam Hoden's Doncaster Rovers column: Why my glass is very much half full when it comes to Rovers

I’ve maintained that through an up-and-down season, one where their League One status remains unguaranteed.

But I feel that I have seen enough this season to suggest Rovers are at the start of the development process, laying the foundations for more success in the future.

Darren Ferguson has assembled a young squad with bags of potential, all of whom seem very keen to learn and particularly at the knee of this manager.

At times this season this young side has produced some entertaining, attacking football of the ilk which saw them steamroller through League Two last term. They have also shown good defensive solidity through spells.

This is not glossing over flaws because there have been plenty. They wouldn’t be in the position they are now if that wasn’t the case.

Periods of defensive solidity have been punctuated by times when they have seemed to lack resolve. And there has also been times when they have been worryingly short of goals.

What seems to have hurt Rovers the most this season is an inability to put together the pieces of the jigsaw to create a fully positive picture.

But, for me, the positivity lies in the fact they have the pieces of the jigsaw in the first place.

This season has been characterised by fine margins – more often than not falling on the wrong side of them. But it would not take a great deal to tip them onto the right side.

The vast majority of players, when speaking to the media, regularly bring up the demand for improvement which comes from Ferguson and their own willingness to buy into that.

Improvement will help them put more of the pieces in places.

Heading into the summer it is clear where additions need to be made. And thankfully it is more about evolution rather than revolution. The full/wing back area remains in need of reinforcements and it would be good to see at least one centre half arrive on a permanent deal.

And there has been plenty of talk of adding experience being a priority.

Overall, it feels as though there is a clear picture of where Rovers are going and what they need to get there.

It may not happen overnight but Rovers are heading in the right direction.