Reporter Rich Sharpe runs the rule over how Rovers’ promotion stars have performed during the 2017-18 season.

DAVID RAYA 8

Handed the gloves by Tony Mowbray at the start of the season in a big show of faith. Started 44 consecutive league games, keeping 16 clean sheets which saw him named in the League One team of the year. Overcame a difficult opening to the season to become a consistent performer with a sprinkling of special saves along the way. Will only get better with age and tied down to a long-term deal. 

RYAN NYAMBE 7

A season which began with an injury and finished with a spell on the sidelines but in between the 20-year-old showed vast improvements in his game. He now looks more composed on the ball and mixed with his athleticism means he is established as first-choice. Will have to deal with trickier tests moving forward but a great season of development for the Namibian-born full-back.

PAUL CADDIS 5

Handed a two-year deal after several weeks on trial last summer and brought in as experienced cover for Nyambe. Played 20 games in all competitions, but just three of those came in 2018. His struggle for fitness didn’t help his cause and the Championship may be a step too far.

CHARLIE MULGREW 9

Installed as Rovers captain and hasn’t let his manager down after an exceptional season which saw him named in the League One and EFL teams of the year. He scored 14 goals from centre back, including the vital winner at Doncaster and was a calming influence in defence. Rewarded for staying at the club with immediate promotion and will be a key man next season as well. One who should make the step-up to the Championship comfortably. 

DARRAGH LENIHAN 7

Rovers were dealt a huge blow with news that an ankle injury on the opening day would rule him out for several months. Was back in action in February and looked like he’d never been away with a string of impressive displays, showing just why there had been Championship interest last summer. A new deal for the 24-year-old is surely only a matter of time away.

PAUL DOWNING 8

One of Rovers’ unsung heroes this season after arriving from MK Dons, initially on loan on transfer deadline day in August. Doesn’t have Lenihan’s power or physical presence but starting life with five consecutive clean sheets showed his qualities to the Rovers fans. Deserved the permanent deal which followed in January and hasn’t let anyone down when called upon.

ELLIOTT WARD 5

Was the man initially entrusted with filling Lenihan’s shoes. Games away at Bradford showed his strong defensive capabilities, however on others his lack of mobility was found wanting. The form of Downing, plus the imminent return of Lenihan, saw him leave on loan for MK Dons in January. Will leave the club this summer. 

DERRICK WILLIAMS 7

By his own admission last season’s player of the year took a little bit of time to get going this term. But like Rovers, he improved as the season went on to become a consistent performer at left-back. Fought off the challenge of Amari’i Bell after his January arrival and looked comfortable when filling in at centre half.

AMARI’I BELL 6

Got his chance sooner than expected after joining from Fleetwood in January and won the man of the match award on his debut against Northampton. Proved to be a useful asset when Mowbray switched to three at the back, but struggled to displace Williams on any other occasion. Signed with the future in mind however, and at 24 is only going to improve.