‘Differences of opinion’ affected Tisdale’s reign

FORMER Bristol Rovers boss Paul Tisdale has spoken out for the first time since his sacking, admitting there were “differences of opinion” over transfers, writes Sam Frost.

The 48-year-old, who has relieved of his duties a week ago after a 10-game winless run, has released a statement via the League Managers’ Association (LMA). Tisdale and the club entered the January transfer window in need of a striker, but pursuits of Jayden Stockley and Armand

Gnanduillet proved unsuccessful. And the former boss says there were disagreements behind the scenes.

Tisdale’s LMA statement said: “I could not have given more to the role. Sadly, it became clear that differences of opinion regarding the balance of the squad and how we should move forward meant that working together would have become frustrating for all concerned.”

He added: “It is with deep sadness that I have departed BRFC. The club that I have supported since I was a boy. I joined the academy as a 10-year-old and can now say that I had the privilege to manage the club I supported... if only for 12 weeks. My biggest disappointment is missing the opportunity to manage a match at the Memorial Stadium packed with home supporters.”

He thanked the players and club staff and club President Wael al-Qadi for appointing hin in late November.

Rovers have received an apology from Professional Game Match Officials Board, which has admitted Saturday’s game against Swindon Town at the Mem should have gone ahead. Referee Leigh Doughty, after a pitch inspection, decided to postpone the match more than three hours before kick-off due to a part of the pitch being frozen pitch. Rovers insisted the pitch was playable and the small area in question could have been thawed in time.