It has been a slow start to the season for Bristol Rovers, but Luke Thomas is certain the players know what to do to get everything moving in the right direction.
The Pirates have lost their first three games in all competitions and were most recently defeated by Sky Bet League Two rivals Cambridge United in the first round of the Carabao Cup. Goals either side of half-time from Louis Appere and Ryan Loft were enough to help the U's progress to the next stage of the competition, with the Pirates struggling to put their stamp on the fixture.
The loss leaves the Gas searching for their first triumph of the season and will be looking to turn a corner when they travel to Chesterfeiled for the early kick-off on Saturday. However, it will be no easy task, with the Spireites winning all three of their fixtures this term without conceding a goal.
Speaking to the media after the fixture, Thomas reflected on the defeat and Rovers' start to the season before looking ahead to the future with plenty of optimism.
Luke, what are your reflections on tonight’s defeat?
"It was another disappointing night. Obviously, we have not started the season how we wanted to. I think we have all been a disgrace, but we are all hurting in there, and we know what we’ve got to do to get on track."
It was a difficult first half after falling behind. Were there strong messages in there?
"Of course. Us as lads have to take responsibility first, and we did that at half-time. We came out a little bit better in the second half, probably in the first 15 minutes and didn’t score and then went a little bit. It’s such a sloppy second goal. Obviously, I’ve got a little bit to play in that as well, but we’ve got to be better all over the pitch if we want to make our mark on this league, and we’ve got to do it quickly."
Was the second goal a killer as Rovers had picked it up at the start of the second half until then?
"It’s probably similar to Harrogate. We had a really good first half-hour when we should have been a goal or two ahead. It’s similar to tonight, we started really poorly, but came out in the second half and started really well and didn’t get the goal. Instead of building on that, we went away from it. It was a disappointing night."
It’s a disappointing start to the season with three defeats out of three. Can you see enough in this Bristol Rovers side to turn it around?
"I think if you look on paper, it’s a really good squad. We need to add a few more individuals, but I just think it is a difficult place to come at the moment. The fans are not with us at the moment, and rightly so.
"We know we’ve got to get them back on our side from what happened last season, but it’s hard to play in when it’s like this. I know personally that it’s one of the best when you get that first win and start to get momentum, it’s one of the best places to be."
Results are not going the right way, but after speaking to Darrell before the game, he said the spirit in the camp is still alright...
"It’s only the first couple of games. We wanted to get off to a really strong start, and we’ve not managed to do that, but it is early days, and I think they’ve got a manager they really trust. Look at what he has done before, so I wouldn’t look too much into it. I am sure there’s going to be a few more painful moments, but he’s definitely going to bring the better days ahead."
Back to league action with a lunchtime trip to Chesterfield. Is it important to hit the ground running against a difficult team?
"It’s a really tough game. Chesterfield are going to be well in the mix this season in terms of promotion, and hopefully we will be, but there’s probably no better game. When we go there, probably nobody expects us to win, and hopefully we can bounce back and get a good result."
You were here last time the Club was in League Two. There are some similarities, and Rovers didn’t start the quickest that year...
"I was telling a few lads that in there. I’m not sure what it was, but I know after 10 games or something like that, we were near the bottom. We had a really, really poor start. You would rather start badly and work your way into it, but I know it’s not the start we want or the fans want, and I know how disappointed they are at the moment, but the good times are coming. They’ve just got to be a little bit more patient. I know it’s hard, but good times are coming."
