Darrell Clarke returns

They said in the press he was favourite for the job, I wonder if he had any say in the retained / released list of players. It sounds as if they have been talking to Darrell for sometime to make an announcement that quickly

Welcome back Darrell, I wish you and the team well for the coming season

I did wonder whether the ex Huddersfield manager Duff might have been in the running
 
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From the OS

Bristol Rovers is delighted to confirm the return of Darrell Clarke to the Club as the new men's first team Head Coach.

Clarke, who previously led Rovers to back-to-back promotions during a four-year stint as manager between 2014-2018, returns to the Memorial Stadium for a second spell and has signed a three-year deal with the Gas.

The 47-year-old takes charge of the men's first team ahead of the 2025/26 season in Sky Bet League Two, a division he achieved promotion from in the 2015/16 campaign with Rovers.

Clarke’s coaching career has also seen him achieve promotion to Sky Bet League One with Port Vale, as well as spells managing Walsall, Cheltenham Town and, most recently, Barnsley.

Clarke said:
“It is difficult to put into words just how special it feels to come back to Bristol Rovers. I am beyond proud to return and once again be here at this exceptional Club. Even though the season just gone was undoubtedly a difficult one, the potential of this Club remains incredibly high and, when the chance to return came up, I didn’t have any hesitation. I am excited to get down to work during the off-season, prepare for the new campaign and step out at The Mem once again in front of the brilliant, passionate Gasheads. We will need each and every one of them with us in the season to come and I want to give them a team they can get behind and performances they can be proud of."

Director of Football Ricky Martin said:
“I am delighted to welcome Darrell back to Bristol Rovers. Following the review of our footballing operation we began our recruitment proceedings, and it quickly became clear to me that Darrell was the right person to take our first team forward. He has been our number one target throughout this process. Darrell is an experienced and methodical coach, and I have been impressed by the expertise and knowledge he has shown. Even more apparent is his enthusiasm and energy, as is his incredible passion for Bristol Rovers Football Club. I am looking forward to working closely with Darrell over the summer and throughout pre-season as we revitalise and rejuvenate our playing squad, and ensure the Club has the best possible standing ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.”

Everyone at Bristol Rovers warmly welcomes Darrell back to the Club and wishes him all the best in his time at the Memorial Stadium.
 
I really hope this works out.

Darrell has a lot of credit in the locker with Gasheads so he’ll be afforded some time to get things right, plus he loves the club so those two factors are big advantages over the likes of Duff, Brady, Evans etc.

Also, when he was first with us he was a rookie manager and now he returns as a very experienced one.

After this abysmal season at least the club has moved quickly and decisively.

Welcome back Darrell and UTG!
 
From Dan Hargraves...

Dave Horseman has left his position as first-team coach at Bristol Rovers. When approached for comment by Bristol Live, Rovers said that changes to the coaching department will be confirmed in due course.

Sounds like there will be more changes staff wise.
 
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Again from Dan Hargraves...

I understand John Stead will be leaving Barnsley to reunite with Darrell Clarke at Bristol Rovers. Martin Devaney has also been strongly linked.

As the club said, changes will be communicated in due course.

My post from yesterday saying I didn't know if Stead was still at Barnsley or not, Dan's comment above shows that he is still currently at Barnsley <laugh>
 
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