Bristol Rovers remain “far from safe” in League Two, despite achieving back-to-back victories for the first time since September, according to manager Steve Evans.
Following a 3-0 win over fellow relegation battlers Newport County last weekend, the Gas secured a 2-0 victory against Walsall on Tuesday, moving seven points clear of the relegation zone.
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Evans, who took charge on December 16, noted an increase in positive sentiment among fans, but he urged caution.
“I want to remind supporters that we are far from safe and still in danger,” Evans told BBC Radio Bristol.
“We can’t take anything for granted until we are mathematically assured of our place in the EFL.”
As Rovers prepare to face Chesterfield on Saturday, they have bolstered their squad by signing striker Joe Quigley and midfielders Tommy Leigh and Richie Smallwood on transfer deadline day.
Evans described the transfer window as “very effective at both ends of the pitch,” despite making bids for another striker and midfielder which were declined and withdrawing from a deal for a goalkeeper.
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“We will continue to assess and monitor our squad, but our primary goal is to amass enough points to secure our position in this league,” Evans stated.
“Once that’s achieved, we can shift our focus towards future plans for the summer.”
He added that striker Promise Omochere is close to returning after struggling with injuries that have sidelined him for most of the season.
The 25-year-old played nine matches early in the season, scoring one goal, but hasn’t appeared since the 4-0 defeat to Crawley on October 25.
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Omochere has not yet played under Evans, who mentioned that he faces competition for a starting position from Ellis Harrison, Fabrizio Cavegn, Mees Rijks, and new signing Joe Quigley.
“If I were Promise, I’d have to step my game up seeing how well Ellis is performing, and recognizing Fab as a goalscorer, while Mees is improving daily, and with Joe Quigley joining the roster—competition for places is fierce,” Evans remarked.
“However, Promise has proven himself against my previous teams at Fleetwood, sketching out the talent that many clubs desired. Bristol Rovers won the bid and invested significantly to bring him here.”
“He’s back in training and looking sharp. We will need a few more solid sessions from him, but we know the quality he can bring, and we’re eager to work with him.”