Paul Tisdale takes charge of League Two rivals, months after Bristol Rovers exit

Tisdale has found a new club to manage and will take on his former employers Bristol Rovers on February 19.
Paul Tisdale didn’t stay at Bristol Rovers for long. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)Paul Tisdale didn’t stay at Bristol Rovers for long. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
Paul Tisdale didn’t stay at Bristol Rovers for long. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)

Stevenage have appointed former Bristol Rovers boss Paul Tisdale as their new first-team manager.

He was appointed by Stevenage despite making an approach to Gillingham for the services of Steve Evans.

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Tisdale begins his job this week and will be assisted by Mel Gwinnett, who was appointed to the role of Football Operations whilst the pair were at the Memorial Stadium.

The 48-year-old last managed Bristol Rovers for a four-month period, taking over from Ben Garner, but left the club in February with them situated just outside the relegation zone, where they were eventually relegated.

He took an advisory role at Colchester United, assisting Hayden Mullins, but has now returned to the dugout to succeed Alex Revell.

“We needed to bring EFL experience and a fresh start into our Club, so Paul fits that perfectly,” said club chairman Phil Wallace to the official club website.

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“He had an impressive twelve years at Exeter and was recognized as one of the brightest managers in the game, so his move to MK Dons and a promotion in his first season was not a surprise.

“He has developed a long line of talented players at Exeter that have moved up to higher levels.

“We have got a good squad of players and we are looking forward to Paul creating a winning environment. We have funds available to strengthen in January if Paul feels we need to do that”.

Tisdale has been in management for 20 years, since managing Team Bath, where he led the University side to the first round of the FA Cup.

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The club in which he is most remembered is Exeter City, where he managed the Grecians for 12 years, bringing through the likes of Ethan Ampadu and Ollie Watkins.

Now at his fifth club, his first match will take him to Huish Park as he leads Boro against Yeovil Town in the second round of the FA Cup.

The Hertfordshire club are currently three points above the relegation zone but have a game in hand over Oldham Athletic.

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