Joel Cotterill has joined a competitive Bristol Rovers squad, but after settling in after his Deadline Day move, the midfielder has his eyes on a starting spot in the Gas' team.
The midfielder came off the bench in the Pirates' 1-1 draw with Colchester United and is battling for his place in the side after joining on a season-long loan from Swansea City on the final day of the transfer window.
However, it will not be easy for the 20-year-old in a competitive Pirates squad, especially in the midfield. Josh McEachran, Kamil Conteh and fellow Deadline Day signing Alfie Chang have formed a formidable partnership in the heart of the pitch and have started the last three games together, coming out with two wins and one draw.
Nevertheless, over a long season in Sky Bet League Two, chances will come for the talented Cotterill. Speaking to BRTV after the game, Cotterill reflected on his hectic start to life at Rovers and the healthy competition in the squad.
“I think coming in right on Deadline Day and having international break literally a few days later was quite tough for me,” he said. "It’s obviously tough to get into a team when we’re on an unbeaten run.
“That’s understandable, but I think I’ve really settled in now, especially with the lads. A great group of lads. For me, now it’s just to keep building up those minutes and try to get in that team and stay in the team.
“I think that it’s healthy competition and that’s exactly what you want at any club. But like I said then, obviously, when the team’s winning, I think it does create that healthy competition.
“Subs do come on in a game; they know exactly what they’re doing and how they want to impact the game. Obviously, to give that impression of why they should be starting, and I think that’s a really good thing we’ve got in this group right now.”
Cotterill added to his 22 minutes against Barrow with a further 35 off the bench against Colchester United. Both of the goals in the contest came before his introduction, with Fabrizio Cavegn giving the Pirates the lead before Micah Mbick levelled for the U's.
Analysing the game, the Swansea loanee was pleased his side came away with a point on the road before giving an insight into what Darrell Clarke said to him before he was introduced alongside Ollie Dewsbury.
“I think any point away from home is a very good result, it’s a tough place to come,” said Cotterill. Obviously, we’re disappointed with the goal we conceded, but I think it’s a very important point for us and to build on that and reflect and go to next week.”
“[Clarke said to] just go into midfield and try and make things happen. Obviously, it’s tough to do that when the game’s very back and forth, but I think I had some moments in the game where I picked up pockets and got on the ball. He said to just try and come on and try to make things happen.”
Cotterill is one of 14 new signings for Rovers, with Clarke strengthening his squad all across the pitch. Cotterill described how he has been in constant communication with the Head Coach, with Clarke encouraging him to take his chance when it comes.
“He’s just been saying to me that obviously international break hasn’t really helped,” said the midfielder. “But he’s been saying to me that I’ve just got to keep my head down, keep working hard, and I’ll get my opportunity when it comes and that I have to take it.”
With over 600 Gasheads in attendance at the Jobserve Community Stadium, Cotterill enjoyed his first experience of an away end full of Rovers supporters.
“They are brilliant. I think that, like I said in the first interview when I joined, I spoke to Macauley Southam-Hales before, and it’s a great Club.
“It’s a great group of lads. The fans have been unbelievable, especially at the home game and today again. I think I’m settling in really well.”
