Strike force points to better days ahead for the blues

CAN Ian Ozanne succeed where Shaun Brook, Colin Fallaize and Graham Hockey have failed in recdent times? Rovers have made changes to the backroom staff ahead of the new season.

Hockey has finally called time and with Ozanne taking up the first team reins, assisted by Dave Merrien, the club is trying to take on a fresh approach.

Rovers now have a goalkeeping coach and a fitness coach helping out to complement their professional physiotherapist, Nikki Sirett.

'We have laid down all the foundations, we just need the success,' said Ozanne.

'We have been as professional as we can,' he added.

But once again Rovers will be hoping that Alan Hansen was wrong when he claimed: 'You can't win anything with youngsters.'

As pre-season draws to a close and the big kick-off for local football approaches, Rovers is looking to youth.

However, this season could be different.

Unlike previous seasons, including last, the blue-and-whites have found that when their youngsters get to senior level they either go to university never to return, go travelling or go to where the grass looks greener.

Both Simon Tostevin and Sam Le Tissier have finished their university courses and for the time being, at least, look to be in the island full-time again.

Add to this the fact that the transfer window has come and gone with no big names coming or in Rovers' case and more importantly, nobody leaving, the new first-team coach has every reason to think that last season's disappointments of finishing at the bottom could be history.

'We can always put 11 players on the pitch but it's about quality and not making up the numbers. I think this season is going to be a bit different,' he said.

Ozanne added that he now had a squad of 17-18 players in contention for first-team football, unlike last year where the side virtually picked itself.

'Most are under the age of 23 with only one or two exceptions which is great for the club,' he said.

'If the players listen to us and are enthusiastic, I can see us picking up a few more points.'

Ozanne acknowledged that last season had been disappointing and although he is confident about the defence there are areas that the team can improve.

'Someone like Steve Treeby is irreplaceable to a club like Rovers. He is in the class of Jody Bisson and Nathan Pattimore, top class island keepers.'

The shortage of goals is another area that Ozanne concedes is a concern.

'I think, like most local clubs, if we had someone who could put the ball in the back of the net 15-20 times a season we would have picked up 12-15 more points.'

This does not help a side who relies on nicking goals and keeping things tight.

'Most of the time us losing points is down to us shooting ourselves in the foot and conceding silly goals.'

But at least this year there is the promise of a large number in the goals for column.

Ozanne knows that realistically the chance of challenging for top spot or even a Wheway place is unlikely but still has thoughts of a successful season.

'If we can get to sixth or fifth, that is progress.'

He added that he would like to make a couple of cup finals and finish the season with some silverware.

'That would be the icing on the cake.'