We are undeniably improving since the Dire Dickov Days but I knew we were not quite good enough to take Stoke. I was hoping for easier opposition for another round or two to buy us time so that the disillusioned fans could see what we are capable of. Had we met Stoke a few rounds later we might have taken them with a bit more team confidence, experience and new players. I just hope the old fans who turned up saw a rejuvenated good team play and didn't go away just seeing Rovers lose.