2008...Mixed fortunes for Bristol Rovers

Bristol Rovers will probably look back on 2008 as a year of mixed fortunes – both on and off the pitch.

The highlight of the past 12 months was probably the historic FA Cup run which took the club to the quarter-finals for the first time in 50 years.

Not only did it see the Pirates capture national headlines as they ousted higher-grade opponents Fulham and Southampton before being well beaten by West Bromwich Albion in the last eight, it also pulled in a much-needed financial boost of well over £1 million.

That success arguably came at a cost, however. For after their cup defeat by the Baggies, league form slumped and they were to record only one victory in their final 14 matches of the campaign to finish in 16th place in the table – a disappointing end to a season that had promised more.

The major talking point during the close season came from off-the-field developments – or more accurately, the lack of them.

For months, fans had been expecting to travel to Cheltenham Town's Whaddon Road ground for this season's home games with work due to start on a major redevelopment scheme to turn the Memorial Stadium into an 18,500 capacity all-seater venue.

But in June the firm due to provide student accommodation that was key to financing the £36 million project pulled out, meaning the plans were put on hold for another 12 months.

Bristol Rovers still hope to proceed with the project at the end of this season, but plan to stage the work so the team can continue to play at the Memorial Stadium while demolition and reconstruction is carried out.

And it still remains to be seen whether they can finance the project successfully during the current economic downturn, which has already had a major effect on the construction injury.

Back on the pitch, the first part of the current campaign has been an indifferent one.

The goals Rovers found hard to come by last term have not proved such an issue, thanks largely to the form of 18-goal top scorer Rickie Lambert. Whether they can hang on to him during the January transfer window will have a major bearing on their fortunes over the months ahead.

Instead, the Pirates' major worries have been caused by some inconsistent defending, which has cost them dearly in games where they have given as good – or often better – than they have got.

Injuries and suspensions at the back can be partly blamed, but they need to tighten up in that department if they are to make an impact over the rest of the season.