Mark Little says last year's nightmare season with Bolton Wanderers has given him an extra motivation to do well at Bristol Rovers.

Despite being match fit, Little made just four appearances last season as the Trotters were relegated in a campaign that will be remembered as much for off the pitch issues as it will for what happened on the pitch, with players regularly receiving pay late.

Little eventually signed for Rovers this summer, and admits last season was one of the worst in his career.

Mark Little cuts a frustrated figure last season

He said: "It was absolutely horrendous.

"This is my 15th pre-season and the majority of my career, touch wood, I've played.

"I've watched lads out of the team and there's a negativity that surrounds it - I always thought I'd never be that negative but I had a year of it last year and it's absolutely horrendous.

"Not playing, and then attach the facts of financial things and the things going on, it's a year I want to put behind me.

"Any player would be very lucky to do a long, long career and not have an off season - some people have long injuries, touch wood again but I've been blessed that I didn't have any injuries.

"I was fit and healthy and keeping myself ticking over, I was just more of a spectator rather than a player.

"That's why I'm double excited now to get back on the pitch and prove a few things, to be quite honest."


Despite being very keen to get going with Rovers, Little admits pre-season is still not exactly something he enjoys.

"The zing has come back but I can't wait to get pre-season over with," he laughed.

"I'm okay with that stuff physically but everyone assumes I find it easy - I don't.

"It doesn't matter how fit you are or how physical you are, everyone finds it tough.

"It's hard for everybody but it's only a short period of time and then the season starts and you'll be glad of it afterwards."