Bristol Rovers: John Ward warns against complacency

Bristol Rovers manager John Ward believes his side still have room for improvement, despite their climb up the League Two table since he took charge.

Ward was named boss at the Memorial Stadium in December and has seen a rise from 23rd to 16th place in the league.

"The one thing I won't let happen with myself, the team or the supporters, is that we get complacent and think we've cracked it," he told BBC Radio Bristol.

"We've got 11 more games before we've cracked anything."

Rovers' upturn in form, which has seen them only lose three of their last 13 games, was typified by Saturday's 3-0 win over promotion-chasing Burton Albion.

And, after a run of fixtures which has seen them take on other high-flying sides, Ward says Rovers now have the belief they can take on those teams in the higher reaches of the fourth tier.

"I think they're gaining in confidence, and recognising now they can play well against top teams," he commented.

"Even though we lost to Northampton, we stood up to them and lost by the odd goal.

"When Rotherham came here we lost by the odd goal and beat them some weeks ago.

"I think other clubs look at us and think this is a tough game because we're earning that little bit of respect from others."