"We are in very good shape," he told http://www.bristolrovers.co.uk "The only slight doubt we have at the moment is Steve Elliott, who went down heavily on his knee during a training session, and has just strained a few fibres on the outside of his thigh."

The management duo made a few changes to their pre-season routine, and think that the extra fitness work has paid off.

Trolls said: "We suffered a lot of injuries late on last pre-season and I think that was a contributing factor to the poor start we made.

"But we have done a lot of injury prevention work, and changed the schedule, to get the intensity we want at the start of the season but also make sure we do not have the injuries.

"Obviously you cannot avoid the contact injuries - which we had a few last year - but we are pleased with how it has gone. The players are fit and sharp and ready to go.

"We have had some good competitive games, which is what we wanted, and we are looking forward to Orient."

Trolls knows that his squad have a tough test in front of them this season, as League One is looking stronger than it has been for many years.

He said: "The clubs that have come down, and the ones that did not go up through the play-offs, and a few teams who were just outside the play-offs last season have spent quite big.

"We know the challenges ahead of us. To maintain the progress we need to be in the top half for the majority of the season.

"If we could have a shot at the play-offs that would be fantastic, but we certainly do not want to be languishing in the bottom half.

"We have added well to the squad with Carl Regan, Dominic Blizzard and Fraser Forster coming in now as well. There is still some business to be done before the end of August."
The first team coach is delighted to still have Rickie Lambert in his squad with the start of the season just a few days away.

He said: "I am very pleased that Rickie is still here - that is an obvious answer. We were pleased after all the speculation to have him join us at the start of pre-season, and then to have him in the last week going into the season is great.

"He is happy, he is settled and his heart is with the club. Every player is ambitious, but I think he is realistic as well.

"He has done well for us over the last few years, and I think Bristol Rovers have done well for him, and we want that to continue.

"Obviously his goals are important, but the way he plays is crucial to us as well. I am looking forward to him leading our line again."

There will now be competition for places all across the pitch with the addition of highly rated young goalkeeper Fraser Forster.

Trolls said: "Fraser is here for a month initially. We have been looking long and hard because we knew Mike Green had to go out on loan.

"He has gone to Gloucester which we feel is a good loan deal for him, he will give him the vital experience. Mike has made good progress and we think his next level of progression is to play games.

"With Mike going out we needed to add in that position, and competition for places in that area will be great now.

"We have it in every other area of the pitch, players know they need to produce to stay in the team, and that is going to be the case now in the goalkeeping position.”

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BRISTOL & BATH // 18 MAY 2012

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Rovers Trollope comments on the Season ahead

12 May 2010

The first team coach believes his squad are fit and raring to go ahead of the visit of Leyton Orient on Saturday.

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