BRISTOL ROVERS FANS COME OUT IN SUPPORT OF DARRELL CLARKE AS CLUB LETS MANAGER GO ‘THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES, GAFFER’
BRISTOL Rovers announced yesterday that manager Darrell Clarke had left Bristol Rovers with immediate effect.
The Gas have struggled for form in League One this season and find themselves in the relegation zone, with off-the-field speculation over the club’s future not helping things.
However, fans so far have been almost universally supportive of Mr Clarke after news broke of his departure.
One said: “I for one will be raising a glass tonight and saying thanks for the memories.”
Another said: “Good luck for the future DC, what you did for us may never be repeated – double promotion.”
Taking to social media, many fans were keen to pay tribute.
Jon Lock said on Twitter: “Unfortunately something had to give and a decision has to be made but I think this is the wrong one. A similar sized club is going to get a decent manager off the back of this.”
Connor Carter added: “Legend. Thank you for everything. You made me love Rovers again!”
Elliot Owens said: “What DC achieved will always be remembered and cherished. Thanks Gaffer, you brought us our club back. It’s sad it ended this way.”
Wayne Clarke went on to say: “Actually a sad day for me, thank you Darrell for all the great memories including two straight promotions.”
Bethany Cole added: “DC has done absolute wonders with Rov- ers. He was part of the team that got us relegated, but he proved me wrong and we bounced back straight away and proved to be a great force. Four wins this season and bad recruiting has got us where we are today. He is a legend, but he had to go.”
In a statement, Bristol Rovers said: “Darrell Clarke has been a loyal servant of Bristol Rovers Football Club for nearly six years, initially as John Ward’s assistant, then progressing to First Team Manager.
“A role in which he has enjoyed considerable success with promotions from the Conference and from League 2 before consolidating the Club’s position in League 1 over the last two years.
“This season commenced with optimism and high expectations of a challenge for the play-off places but results and performances have been disappointing.
“After much soul searching and lengthy deliberations it has been mutually agreed that it is probably in the best interests of the Club and of Darrell Clarke to seek a fresh way forward. Darrell leaves the Club with immediate effect and on amicable terms.
“The Board would like to place on record their sincere thanks to Darrell for the hard work and dedication he has shown to the Club and the positive effect he’s had on players, staff and supporters during his tenure.
“Darrell will remain a friend of the Club and will no doubt achieve further success in his career after a deserved break.
“Everyone at Bristol Rovers wishes him well for the future.”