Football / Bristol Rovers
Paul Tisdale sacked as Rovers manager after just 82 days in charge
Bristol Rovers are once again on the hunt for a new manager after sacking Paul Tisdale.
The former Bristol City player spent less than three months at the Memorial Stadium, whose revolving door has now seen four managers depart from the club in the space of three years.
Tisdale has the unique distinction of never having taken charge of a Rovers game in front of fans, many of who are happy to see him leave.
is needed now More than ever
Tisdale was sacked the day after his team lost 2-0 at home to Oxford United, after which he praised his players’ efforts as “really, really good”.
“I thought they were fabulous from start to finish,” the 48-year-old said in his last interview as manager, saying that the one thing his team could not do was score, calling his attacking line “strikers of the future, not strikers of the here and now”.
He added that he is “not a magician, I can’t get a rabbit out of a hat”, but went on to say that he would “find a way” to keep Rovers in League One.
With 20 games of the season to go, Rovers sit in 20th place – only one above the relegation positions by virtue of a superior goal difference to Wigan Athletic.
Rovers director of football, Tommy Widdrington, is now in caretaker charge of the first team as the board once again looks for a new manager.
Widdrington will be assisted by Jack Mesure and Kevin Maher, with head of football operations, Mel Gwinnett, leaving with Tisdale.
In a succinct statement, Rovers said: “The Club would like to thank both Paul and Mel for their efforts and wish them both the best of luck for the future.”
Paul Tisdale picked up just 12 points in 15 league matches while in charge of Rovers – photo: JMP
On Twitter, Gary Marks said: “Party all you want today folks. The underlying causes of Rovers problems will all still be there tomorrow morning. No stadium, no effective recruitment policy, no accountability and currently no sustainable mid to long term future.”
Stephen Cooper said: “Time will tell if this decision proves to the be right one. After the failure of Garner and Tisdale we need someone who can rally some passion and fight in the side.”
@Brionyee added: “Think under current circumstances this is the best decision, current form and after last nights comments as well. Think we need to remember before throwing shit about to owners etc it’s always a risk whenever taking on a new manager! Sometimes it works sometimes it doesn’t.”
Main photo: JMP
Read more: Bristol Rovers captain apologises to fans after 6-1 defeat
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