Rovers boss Sam Allardyce admits this season's achievements will take time to sink in.

After taking the reins in December 2008, Sam steered the club away from relegation trouble and to a 15th-place finish last term.

This season, Rovers have reached a cup semi-final and ended the campaign in the top half of the table after losing just one of their last nine league games.

Big Sam said: "I probably won't take it all in until I'm on a beach somewhere relaxing and reflecting as I did last year on the job we did to stay up.

"This year I think it will take a little bit of time to sink in, just on where we've finished now. And I think that looking at the last eight games has really thrilled me.

"We always said that going into that period we wanted to be safe by then, as it was our most difficult period of fixtures that are grouped together.

"I think in the end it was four wins, three draws and just the one defeat.

"So we've achieved a magnificent end to the season and finishing with a win over Arsenal and away over Aston Villa was the icing on the cake for us.

"Certainly when everyone knew just how few points we'd picked up away from home, to actually get a win and a double over Villa on the back of beating Arsenal was a superb finish for everybody.

"Hopefully it will encourage everyone to snap up their season tickets to increase the attendances and increase the atmosphere and hopefully increase the enjoyment levels and make the place a vibrant place to come and enjoy the entertainment that is put on.

"From our point of view it is about us getting better, not resting on our laurels. We must try and improve in all areas yet again and make sure we are that much better.

"It is something to reflect on and then to look forward for the start of next season."