There have been ups, downs, peaks, troughs, joy and misery, fun and frustration but Graham Coughlan's mission is nearing completion; all that is required by Bristol Rovers is one more significant result.
Once the run-in became a talking point for fans to pour over and study meticulously, this fixture against Rochdale was probably filed in the "that has to be three points" category, but the Dale have improved dramatically since sacking Keith Hill in March.
'It will be extra special to complete the job at the Mem' - Survival in sight for Graham Coughlan and Bristol Rovers they turned to an Irishman in Brian Barry-Murphy and the former midfielder, who only retired last year, has made an impressive transition into the dugout with four wins, two draws and two defeats from his eight games in charge.
Both sides are out of the bottom four, despite staring into the abyss at various times in the season, but are still in urgent needs of the points at the Mem this afternoon. Here's how we think the contest will go.
David Byrom, Sports reporter
Do you expect any changes to the team?
Perhaps Tom Nichols will come back in. Graham Coughlan appears to be giving both Nichols and Gavin Reilly equal opportunities up front, interchanging them from game to game. It being a home game, and an important one, Liam Sercombe and Alex Rodman's abilities going forward could well see them included too, especially with such a quick turnaround from Friday's game.
Who will be Rovers’ key man and why?
A tie between Tom Lockyer and Tony Craig. Both have been superb in recent weeks and, in a must-not-lose game like this, Rovers' defence could prove crucial. Whilst Jonson Clarke-Harris has grabbed the headlines in recent week, the duo at the centre of defence have been unsung heroes.
Is there anything about the opposition that concerns you?
Perhaps not so much the opposition themselves, but the size of the game and the occasion could prove an issue for Rovers.
They were not great at home against Bradford, and this is a similar sort of match - the Gas can't let the nerves get the better of them. On the other hand, Rochdale have nothing to lose, so could well end up throwing the kitchen sink at Rovers should they fall behind.
How do you think the game will go?
I'm expecting another tight affair between two sides desperate for the points, but I think the Gas will prevail - and safety secured.
Prediction: Bristol Rovers 2-0 Rochdale
James Piercy, Sports Editor
Do you expect any changes to the team?
Pragmatism has governed Graham Coughlan up to now, and why not, considering how successful it's been but, after the Bradford experience, where Rovers required a slightly more attacking and dynamic shape to come out of their shells, perhaps Alex Rodman and Alex Jakubiak could come into the equation; just to give the Gas a bit more front-foot momentum from kick-off.
And it would be nice, if possible, to see Liam Sercombe adopt a more central position to give him more space to create. Whether or not this is the right situation for such a scenario, we'll have to see.
'Bristol Rovers have come a long way under Graham Coughlan since the dark days of December'
Who will be Rovers' key man and why?
Coughlan has the players to take the game to Rochdale and dictate the contest but what is absolutely fundamental is that they do not concede first, then the crowd get anxious, nerves take over and everything potentially comes crumbling down.
Goalkeeper Jack Bonham may not have a lot to do but given Rochdale's improved form they will ask a few questions in the final third and should get at least one good opportunity in front of goal.
Is there anything about the opposition that concerns you?
They have a goalscorer in Ian Henderson and an increased level of confidence that means they'll be viewing Rovers as beatable. Plus the fact, they tend to play in a 3-4-3 which mean lots of width. Does Coughlan match up with that system, as he has the players to do so, or maintain the slightly narrow system which has been his tried and tested.
How do you think the game will go?
As naff as it sounds, that first goal is absolutely crucial. If Rovers can take it, it'll just create an air of calm around the Mem and the players can express themselves, as Coughlan has wanted them to since day one.
And while the Gas remain reliable in tight, competitive situations, they need to take the initiative here and get the job done.
