When former Bristol Rovers defender George Friend became director of football, he would have known the extent of his challenge in delivering a team capable of meeting the ambitions of the newly structured ownership.
The Gas were set to lose around half of their squad with contracts expiring and loan players returning to their parent club. As well as a completely refreshed coaching unit, brought in to support Matt Taylor. There would be massive upheaval both on and off the pitch.
One year of new ownership structure
Almost a year to the day since the Gas confirmed that Hussain Al Saaed had purchased a controlling stake in Duane Sports – the company founded by co-owner Wael Al-Qadi and his family to hold the club’s assets – and Bristol Rovers have had a strong start to the transfer window.