Ward feels beating Grecians was his 'best result' with Pirates

Bristol Rovers manager John Ward described Wednesday's 2-0 npower League Two home victory over Exeter City as his team's "best result" since he took charge.

The success over the Grecians has left the Pirates, who were deep in the mire not so long ago, in 15th place in the division, nine points clear of the bottom two.

When asked whether a mid-table finish was now a realistic aim, Ward said: "We're looking at that. I heard somebody talking about the play-offs after we won the game on Wednesday and I had to say: 'Calm down'.

"We are in a position in which we are able to achieve and improve ourselves. I want that to be the focus of everyone involved in the football club.

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"Yes, we could win our ten remaining games, but we could also lose all ten. We just have to remain realistic and balanced in our views and that's all I am saying at the moment.

"We've done well, but let's concentrate first and foremost on trying to win the game at Chesterfield on Saturday. If we could do that, we would climb another place in the table. Going to Chesterfield should not be a daunting experience, it should be something we look forward to."

Ward gathered his players in the centre-circle at the final whistle of Wednesday's game to acknowledge the part the supporters played in helping his side overcome Paul Tisdale's promotion chasers.

He said: "I think it was important for us to do that. The whole thing is together and there is a feel of the old days at Twerton Park about it.

"They are all very much behind us. I've been at clubs in the past where the supporters come to watch, but this group we have here come to join in."

Ward expects talks to extend his stay at the Memorial Stadium beyond the end of the season to begin shortly.

Ward agreed a short-term deal until the end of the season to succeed Mark McGhee in December at a time when Rovers were fully embroiled in scrap against relegation.

He has since sparked a turnaround in fortunes that has taken his side well clear of the drop zone ahead of tomorrow's clash in Derbyshire.

Chairman Nick Higgs went on record to say that talks over an extended contract for the manager would begin once Rovers' status in League Two beyond the end of the campaign was guaranteed and, when asked about his contract and the chance of an extension, Ward replied: "We have been thinking about that. It is something I will be trying to sort out with the chairman.

"We haven't set anything up, but it is certainly something we are moving towards."