Darrell Clarke speaks for first time on being reappointed as Bristol Rovers head coach, coming in to replace Inigo Calderon.
The 47 year old expressed immense pride and excitement upon his reappointment as Bristol Rovers head coach, describing the return as a “special” moment.
He highlighted his enthusiasm for the challenge ahead, acknowledged the club’s potential, and that by having blend of nostalgia, ambition, boosts confidence in turning around the team’s fortunes following their relegation to League Two.
Welcome back Darrell 👏
We are delighted to confirm the return of Darrell Clarke to Bristol Rovers as the new men’s first team Head Coach 🙌
— Bristol Rovers (@Official_BRFC) May 6, 2025
— Bristol Rovers (@Official_BRFC) May 6, 2025
CLUB STATEMENT:
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.
“It is difficult to put into words just how special it feels to come back to Bristol Rovers,” Clarke said. “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.
Here’s how fans reacted as Darrell Clarke speaks for first time on being reappointed as Bristol Rovers head coach…
I’m ready gaffer 😃😃😃📞
— lee (@brown_628) May 6, 2025
we are so back. #UTG https://t.co/akCVfyTaXD pic.twitter.com/I7RWOEdiA0
— (R) Leobrfc ⛽️🏴☠️ (@Leobrfc_) May 6, 2025
@lee_wilshaw: Well done Darrell, everyone at port vale wishes you all the best, hopefully we’ll still be in league 1 when you get the gas promoted next season.
@ZedW1988: Genuinely relieved to see DC back. Such a great character to have at the club again. ♥️ Let’s just hope he’s given the scope to actually do his job without Interference. Utg.
@NathanShapland_ :
Warne at MK
Ainsworth at Gills
The king at Rovers
And maybe Chesterfield
Thank Christ we got promoted this season #pvfc
@pvfctv2: Up the fucking gas from Vale, love to see it 🖤🤍
@KPVFC10: up the darrell clarke shagging gas and whites
@RedRocketNelson: Seemingly a strong and sensible appointment. However, he needs to be backed by the club to ensure a swift return to L1. Can’t afford to be stuck in L2 (or worse!) for years on end. 🔵⚪️
@MalcolmParsons4: Welcome home Darrell, just what was needed to lift the gloom & push on to better days. UTG!
@MarkHanson_: Good luck Darrell, wasn’t supported by the board at Barnsley, good honest genuine bloke. All the best.
@smithys66011356:
Was he my first choice? No.
Am I happy to see him back? Yes
Welcome back darrell let’s repeat the last time we were in league 2
@MiseryGuts9: Hopefully coaching staff and fitness analyst will be shown the door tomorrow! 🙏
@GnightIrene1883: Lovely… now @1_Mansell in that coaching staff pretty please
@jbrain88: Fantastic appointment. Not only is DC a top bloke, but this gets the fans back on side. Brilliant. Only way this could get any better is by appointing @1_Mansell as his assistant 🥰
@StevePotts16: Great appointment for you, darrell will do wonders for you in league 2.
@bfcted: Good luck Darrell from a barnsley fan, deserved better at us
@Barnsley_Mike: Good luck Darrell, you were fighting with two hands behind your back at Barnsley time to get back to a club that knows what you can do.
@Harrtron: And just like that, the buzz returns 🔥 Was devastated when this man left the club. It’s never been the same since. The connection between players & fans, the unity.. the DC era was an all timer. ROUND TWO ⛽️ ⛽️ ⛽️ UTFG
HAVE YOUR SAY –
Can you see Darrell Clarke taking Bristol Rovers back up to League One at the first attempt? Let us know your thoughts in the comments or tweet us @fan_banter
Can you see Darrell Clarke taking Bristol Rovers back up to League One at the first attempt? #utg #bristolrovers
— Fan Banter (@fan_banter) May 7, 2025
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