What was a steady season, Rovers played the likes of Coventry and Chelsea (in the EFL Cup) for the first time in decades.

Rovers manager Darrell Clarke was quick to make good on his promise to offer all out-of-contract senior players new contracts if the club was promoted,[2] confirming that, with the exception of Rory Fallon, new deals were "in the post" just five days after the previous season had concluded.

[23] Rovers' top goalscorer of the previous two seasons, Matty Taylor, signed a new contract in July,[24] ending speculation linking him with a move away.

The traditional Boxing Day fixture sees Rovers host Coventry City while the season will end with Millwall travelling to the Memorial Stadium.

[58] Rovers progressed to the second round thanks to a 115th-minute winner from Chris Lines[59] to set up a trip to Premier League side Chelsea.