History repeats itself for former Bristol Rovers boss as Stevenage part company after three months

Former Bristol Rovers manager Paul Tisdale was last night relieved of his duties as manager of Stevenage with his successor quickly named.

Stevenage were on a nine game winless run under the former Gas boss and as such, leaving Boro Stevenage 22nd in the League Two table, three points above the relegation zone.

After flirting with relegation, the club took the decision to sack him, quickly announcing his replacement as they try to preserve their fourth tier status.

Former Leeds United manager Steve Evans, who was most recently in charge at Gillingham was installed as the man to replace him in the hot seat.

"Paul has worked tirelessly for us since he joined but we have won three points from the last nine games to drop into a relegation fight," chairman Phil Wallace told the club website.

"With nine games to go, we have to change our fortunes and we are hoping Steve will do that."

It is shades of his time at Rovers, where having been appointed manager in November, his services were no longer required, just a few months after his appointment.

In November 2020, Tisdale was installed as Ben Garner’s successor but come February, he was sacked and replaced by Joey Barton.

Just in January, Tisdale had been shortlisted for the Manager of the Month award but after a slump in form, he now finds himself out of work after another short period at a club.

It’s a far cry from his 12 years spent as manager of Exeter City, as well as the season in charge of MK Dons.

Rovers have already played Stevenage twice this season, with the most recent match being a 4-0 win at the Lamex Stadium back in February with four different scorers.

The appointment of Evans also has repercussions for a Rovers first-team player with Zain Westbrooke currently on loan there.

The 25-year-old has played 11 times for Stevenage this season, but will now have to impress his new boss if he is to stay in the first team picture.