While Bristol Rovers long for a brighter future, the miseries of the recent past are not easily forgotten – reflected in the the widespread unease which remains ahead of the new campaign.
Once bitten, twice shy are these Gasheads, who welcomed a similarly busy summer a year ago, only to see their hopes of progress completely crushed with Rovers sliding into League Two.
Almost a dozen new faces have been pictured holding a scarf aloft at The Quarters this summer, several of whom appear to be significant upgrades in either ability or experience on the squad which finished bottom of League One in May.
And many Rovers supporters have shared their optimism, which is heavily tempered by the experiences of the last campaign – the general consensus being good work has been done by Joey Barton and his lieutenants in the transfer market so far, but important business is still to be done and HMS Piss The League (the prevailing meme from last summer's excitement) Mark II is very much still under construction.
Here are the thoughts of Rovers fans on the club's transfer business so far...
Benji Deane: "A solid mix of experience and promise. Barton has added grit in Coutts and Finley plus flair in Thomas too. If we add a proven striker and a solid right back, we have a great foundation. On paper, a good team is emerging but we learnt last season not to judge a team on paper."
Kevin Loud: "After last summer's optimism over signings it is tough to allow myself to get too excited just yet. All very positive so far, and everyone talking a good game, but the proof will be once the season gets going. However, like most Gasheads I can’t help but feel optimistic anyway!"
Simon Gould: "Still plenty of last season's failures to dump if possible but some decent additions so far with perhaps the goalscorer we obviously need the most glaring and difficult situation to fill, plus weak at RB and possibly in goal needs another addition!"
Matt Simpson: "Impressed with the whole standard, plenty of experience at this level and above, and many have proven themselves under Barton before. Still think a RB is the obvious position of need."
Chipstead Gas: "I'd go 6/10."
Nick Hibbs: "An interesting mix; experience and youth… I have learned the errors of my ways when I got all excited last season and bet on a Gas promotion. This season I will be keeping my powder dry for at least 15 games. Hoping for the best though."
Charlie Hayne: "Looks like a really good mix so far of experience and youth, very excited about Luke Thomas, Trevor Clarke, Paul Coutts and Aaron Collins. Hopefully we can add two right backs, a back-up keeper and an experienced striker. Just hope the players all gel together, a lot of new faces."
Richard Williams: "Streetwise. Hardworking. Looks a solid squad full of steel, energy and bite. A feeling that nobody will fancy playing these boys. Barton has focused on players who’ve shown winning mentality and brawn over flair This will be a strong side in League Two Good work ethic and passion. Overall pleased.
Captain Pirate: "Luke Thomas looks to be a real coup for us, played regularly in Championship."
Andrew: "Nothing is really exciting me about any of them but last year I was really excited and look how that turned out. So hopefully we can mould them into a team."
Brendan Tucker: "I was really excited last year at this stage, got caught up in the moment and look what happened! For me and good mixture of experience and youth with some really talented young players coming on board. Missed the blend last season so quietly confident. Still need striker and RB."
