Bristol Rovers next manager: ex-Brentford and Swansea starlet joins Darrell Clarke in race for top job

Bristol Rovers have a big decision to make as they weigh up their managerial options. The Gas have been relegated to League Two after a tough season. They finished in the League One drop zone along with Shrewsbury Town, Cambridge United and Crawley Town.

The Pirates turned to former Brighton and Hove Albion player Inigo Calderon back in December and he won six of his 26 matches in charge. The Spaniard was picked as their replacement for Matt Taylor this past winter. However, he couldn’t keep them up in the end and has now been dismissed.

Jon Brady emerges as Bristol Rovers candidate to replace Inigo Calderon

Jon Brady looks to have emerged as one of the front-runners for the Bristol Rovers vacancy. He has been available since his resignation from Northampton Town in December. The Australian has since taken some time away from the game and has been weighing up his options.

Brady, 50, was a winger during his playing days and had spells with the likes of Brentford, Swansea City and Wycombe Wanderers before hanging up his boots in 2013. He then delved into the managerial world and started out in non-league at Brackley Town.

The New South Wales-born man joined Northampton in 2016 as a youth coach before working his way up to becoming their full-time manager. He guided the Cobblers to promotion to the third tier in 2023 and kept them up the year after. However, he decided to leave Sixfields this past winter.

At the time, he said: "Ultimately it was my decision to resign from my position as manager. For almost four years, my excellent staff and I have given everything to deliver success to our supporters. In our second season we displayed tremendous courage. With the best start to a season in 52 years, we gained promotion on the final day amassing 83 points - what a day for the club and fans. It meant everything to me."

He added: "Our ultimate goal has always been to unite our players, staff and fans as one and create a feeling of family and togetherness. I hope I leave with this ethos firmly embedded. Overall I hope I have added value."

Bristol Rovers managerial candidates as Gas hunt for new boss

Brady isn’t the only name in the frame for Bristol Rovers. Their former head coach Darrell Clarke is an option and is available. He was given the chop by Barnsley recently and has also worked in the past at Port Vale, Walsall and Cheltenham Town.

Other contenders in the running are Michael Duff, Steve Evans, Ian Evatt, Luke Williams, Garry Monk, Des Buckingham and Ian Holloway. The hierarchy will be considering different candidates as they look for the right fit. It remains to be seen at this stage who they will opt for.

The Pirates released a statement after Calderon’s departure reading: "Bristol Rovers can confirm that Iñigo Calderón has departed his position as men’s first team head coach. Miguel Llera, who has been assisting in the coaching department since March, has also left the club. Everyone at Bristol Rovers would like to thank Iñigo and Miguel for their hard work, dedication and commitment and wish them both every success in their respective future careers. A thorough process to recruit a replacement is underway and the club will be making no further comment at this time."