Reaching a career milestone may have given Tom Anderson pause for thought on what he has achieved so far but he is firmly focused on the future at Rovers.
The towering centre half is set to reach 200 career appearances for Rovers with his next outing, which is expected to come against Morecambe at the Eco-Power Stadium.
When speaking with the media ahead of the game, the 30-year-old was asked to recall his best memories from his six years with the club.
While he did oblige, Anderson was also quick to look ahead at what he still wants to achieve in Rovers colours.
“I would love to get a promotion at this club,” he said. “That’s something I want in my career as well.
“The closest I’ve come is when the gaffer and Cliff were last here and we got to the semi-finals in League One. Promotion is something I’m desperate for.
“It’s been something I’ve tried to focus on over the last few years. It’s not gone to plan but you still have that ambition and drive, which is something I think I’ll always have.
“Looking back, that year with the gaffer before, we had a really good run in the FA Cup. The goal I scored against Preston, it wasn’t the most majestic but it meant a lot to me, being from Burnley.
“And we had another good run under Darren Moore, where we beat Blackburn at Ewood Park which was another great one for a Burnley lad, and then played at West Ham. It was just a shame it was in Covid when the fans weren’t there.
“They’re nice little moments but my main aim is to win a promotion at this club.”
Anderson admits he would have hoped to reach 200 appearances far sooner, particularly after enduring two seasons of struggle with injury.
But he feels he has found a home at Rovers, with familiar faces at the club helping to foster those feelings of warmth.
“It’s 200 and like any athlete, being critical, I would like to have got their sooner,” he said.
“Still, I’ve got there and it’s something that when my career is over, playing 200 times for one club is something I’ll be happy with and proud of. It’s a great achievement.
“I’ve been here six years and seven seasons. When you’ve been here so long, you really get to know people. There’s so many familiar faces. I know a lot of people have come and gone but there’s still plenty who have been here all the time.
“You get that sense of home. You want to be here and do it for yourself and the club.”
