Graham Coughlan admitted he was disappointed with Bristol Rovers' performance in their goalless draw with Coventry City - but insists the future bodes well for his group of players.
The Gas were on the back foot for a large part of the game at the Ricoh Arena, as they struggled to create chances on a poor pitch.
Yet they escaped with a point thanks to a strong performance from their defence and goalkeeper Jack Bonham, who pulled off two brilliant saves in particular to keep a clean sheet.
Coughlan felt 'Hit and miss but plenty of fight' - Player ratings as Bristol Rovers draw with Coventry City but praised the heart of his battling side.
He said: "I think the better team were Coventry, they probably had better chances.
"They had more quality in the final third than we showed today but the heart, the character and the spirit that I keep talking about that's been built up in this changing room and football club was evident today.
"That was not only behind the goal with the crowd but on the pitch with the players.
"I didn't enjoy it, I didn't like the performance, I didn't enjoy what we put on today for the fans, it wasn't great, but, let me tell you, you won't find a group of lads with bigger hearts than this group of lads today.
"We didn't bring quality today but we will bring quality between now and the end of the season.
'Hit and miss but plenty of fight' - Player ratings as Bristol Rovers draw with Coventry City
"'The harder the work, the luckier you get' was a motto that I used the first day I came in and I think today of all days it epitomised that."
Coughlan believed his side were too reactive rather than proactive, but said he does not feel a strong performance is that far away.
"We just looked a little bit flat, we looked on our heels," the Dubliner added.
"It was one of those games where you just don't get out the blocks, it was one of those games where I said to the players at half-time where we'd been here before this season - we were sitting, waiting for Coventry to score a goal when all of a sudden we spark into life.
"We've seen that too many times this season, our quality up to the frontmen, our touch, our link-up play and our running beyond just wasn't there.
"I ain't going to have a go at them as they've been different class but I do honestly believe there's a Blackpool in the making with this group because I see them every day on the training ground.
"I was disappointed it didn't come today but maybe the next day and the next game it comes because they're building something.
"It doesn't feel like it today but, believe me, I've been with them for the last three months and I feel there's a little bit of momentum and a little bit of confidence creeping in.
"I think the future bodes well for this group of players and a couple of additions."
