Bristol Rovers bring back Clarke as manager

Darrell Clarke has been re-appointed as Rovers of Bristol’ manager following their relegation to League Two.

Less than 24 hours after the conclusion of a disappointing season that ended with a 4-1 defeat at Blackpool, Rovers fired head coach Inigo Calderon on Sunday.

Between 2014 and 2018, Clarke, 47, served as manager of Rovers for four years, including the first time he brought them back into the Football League and the promotion to League One.

How special it is to return to Rovers of Bristol is beyond words, Clarke said. “I’m beyond pleased to be back at this exceptional club.”

The potential of this club is still very high, despite the fact that the season that just ended was undoubtedly difficult, and I had no hesitation when I had the chance to return.

“I’m looking forward to getting to work in the off-season, getting ready for the new campaign, and leaving The Mem in front of the brilliant, passionate Gasheads once more.”

We will need each and every one of them in the upcoming season, and I want to give them a team they can support and perform with pride.

Clarke eventually held positions at Walsall, Port Vale, Cheltenham, and most recently Barnsley, which he left in March.

In addition, he won promotion from League Two while he was at Vale through his 2022 play-off victory over Mansfield.

Ricky Martin, the director of football, expressed his delight at welcoming Darrell back to Rovers of Bristol.