For the second season in a row Rovers embark on a fresh challenge in a new league, writes Rich Sharpe.

This won’t be quite the step into the unknown as last summer when Rovers were preparing for third tier football for the first time in 37 years.

Positive additions in the transfer market last summer, and faith in boss Tony Mowbray, ensured the return of a feel-good factor.

Twelve months on, with promotion achieved, those latter points remain, and even a lack of additions has failed to diffuse the optimism, with season ticket sales approaching 10,000.

Although the positivity is tempered this time around by the step-up in level, with a strong team spirit, momentum from last season’s promotion, and Bradley Dack, who knows where this new season could take them?

And that unknown, and the extent of the different variables, simply adds to the intrigue as to what could unfold in the next nine months.

Mowbray’s plan is to build for the long-term at Rovers. That requires stability both on and off the field, along with patience from the club’s hierarchy as well as supporters in the stands.

Rovers must not let this opportunity slip, this platform represents a chance to stabilise the club in the second tier. But they must walk before they can run.

While new signings may have been at a premium, those willing to commit their futures to the club hasn’t, with seven players signing new contracts. That shows that the players have faith in Mowbray’s Ewood project.

The team spirit within this group shines through, as does their connection with the fans.

So believe in the project, back them all the way, and enjoy what lies in wait.