Bristol Rovers have officially announced the return of Darrell Clarke as their manager after a disappointing season that saw them relegated to League Two. Clarke, who previously managed the club from 2014 to 2018, is no stranger to success with Rovers, having led them back into the Football League and securing promotion to League One during his first tenure.

A Familiar Face Returns

Clarke's return comes just a day after the club parted ways with head coach Inigo Calderon following a 4-1 defeat at Blackpool. The 47-year-old manager expressed his excitement and pride in 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."

Building for the Future

Despite the challenges of the past season, Clarke remains optimistic about the club's potential. "Even though the season just gone was undoubtedly a difficult one, the potential of this club remains incredibly high," he said. "When the chance to return came up, I didn't have any hesitation."

Clarke is eager to get to work during the off-season and prepare for the new campaign. He emphasized the importance of the fans, known as the Gasheads, in the upcoming season. "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," he added.

A Proven Track Record

Since leaving Bristol Rovers, Clarke has managed several clubs, including Walsall, Port Vale, Cheltenham, and most recently Barnsley. His experience and success, particularly in securing promotion from League Two with Port Vale in 2022, make him a strong candidate to lead Rovers back to higher divisions.

Director of Football's Endorsement

Director of football Ricky Martin expressed his delight in welcoming Clarke back to the club. "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," Martin said.

As Bristol Rovers look to rebuild and aim for promotion, the return of Darrell Clarke brings a sense of hope and excitement to the club and its supporters.