Bristol Rovers have officially re-appointed Darrell Clarke as their head coach, marking a significant return for the club legend following their relegation to League Two. Clarke, who previously led the Pirates to back-to-back promotions from the National League to League One between 2014 and 2016, has signed a three-year deal that will keep him at the Memorial Stadium until the summer of 2028.
The announcement comes just days after the club parted ways with Inigo Calderon, who was sacked on May 4, 2025, following a dismal season that culminated in a 4-1 defeat to Blackpool. Rovers' relegation was confirmed a week prior, as they managed to collect just one point from their final ten matches, leaving them at the bottom of League One.
Clarke, 47, expressed his excitement about returning to the club, stating, "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." He further added, "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."
Rovers’ new Director of Football, Ricky Martin, who replaced George Friend in late March, was instrumental in bringing Clarke back to the club. Martin stated, "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."
Clarke's previous tenure at Bristol Rovers was marked by remarkable success. He took charge in March 2014 when the team was facing relegation from the Football League. Despite initially failing to prevent that relegation, he quickly turned the club's fortunes around, achieving back-to-back promotions that saw Rovers rise from the National League to League One by the end of the 2016/17 season. Under his leadership, the club secured its highest finish in 25 years, finishing 10th in the third tier.
After leaving Rovers in December 2018, Clarke had spells at Walsall, Port Vale, Cheltenham Town, and Barnsley. At Port Vale, he successfully guided the team to promotion from League Two via the play-offs in 2022. However, his time at Barnsley ended in March 2025, despite the team being in contention for a play-off spot at the time of his sacking.
Clarke's return has generated excitement among the Rovers fanbase, with many supporters taking to social media to express their desire for his reinstatement following Calderon's departure. The club's management is hopeful that Clarke can replicate his previous successes and lead Rovers back to League One at the first attempt.
As Rovers prepare for life in League Two, they are also facing a significant rebuild, with 15 players already leaving the club, including club captain Scott Sinclair. Clarke will need to work quickly to assemble a competitive squad capable of challenging for promotion next season.
Martin emphasized the importance of Clarke's experience and passion for the club, stating, "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."
With Clarke back at the helm, Bristol Rovers fans can look forward to an exciting season ahead, as the club aims for an immediate return to League One. The journey begins now, and the Gasheads will undoubtedly rally behind their manager and the team as they embark on this new chapter.
