Three managers Bristol Rovers should look at following the sacking of Darrell Clarke News: The72 – Football League News

Bristol Rovers came into this season hoping to bounce back and challenge for promotion after their relegation from League One. In an attempt to do so, they brought Darrell Clarke back to the club six years after his departure, replacing Inigo Calderon.

For Gas, however, things have not yet gone according to plan. Twenty games into the season, Bristol Rovers are on 17 points and 23rd in League Two.

Now, after a run of five league defeats in a row, Rovers have sacked the returning Clarke. His assistant Jon Stead has also left the club along with Clarke.

No interim boss has yet been appointed, so an early appointment is obvious. That said, here are three managers Bristol Rovers should look at…

Mike Dodds

Dodds is an inexperienced coach who wants to make his mark on management. After a long spell rising through the ranks at Sunderland, he eventually became Regis Le Bris’ assistant after three spells as interim boss.

Dodds left Wearside in February and his departure coincided with Sunderland’s decline in form last season. He left to join League One promotion hopefuls Wycombe Wanderers.

However, he struggled at Wycombe and after missing out on automatic promotion, he went on to lose in the play-offs to eventual winners Charlton Athletic. This season Dodds was sacked by Wycombe with the club on just five points from eight games.

However, there is a good coach in Dodds. He was highly rated at Sunderland and with the right club he could be a huge success.

Jon Brady

After overseeing 200 games in charge of Northampton Town, Brady left the club 18 games into last season with the Cobblers in 21st place in League One. His departure came during a difficult period, ending a long spell in the dugout.

Despite the challenging ending, Brady’s time at Sixfields was largely considered a success. Although he was relegated in his first campaign, he quickly earned the respect and support of the supporters.

Jon Brady’s record as Northampton Town boss

He then guided Northampton back to League One in the 2022/23 season, finishing third to secure promotion. With Bristol Rovers potentially on the road to rebuilding, Brady could prove an ideal figure to drive that process forward.

Brady was linked with a move to League One Peterborough United earlier this season. Instead, they opted for ex-Swansea City boss Luke Williams.

Michael Flynn

A potentially controversial move to complete this list. Flynn would be a great option for Bristol Rovers despite his links with rivals Newport County.

Flynn has struggled to find a home since moving from Newport in 2021. He has had stints at Walsall, Swindon Town and Cheltenham Town in League Two.

He was sacked by Cheltenham in September and is on the hunt for a new job. His experience at this level could be ideal for Bristol Rovers, who need to get out of trouble as quickly as possible.