Former Cheltenham Town, Birmingham City and Shrewsbury Town boss Steve Cotterill is being linked with the vacant Bristol Rovers job following Joey Barton’s dismissal yesterday.
The Gas are on a three-game winless run at the moment and have picked up just one victory in their last five outings in League One, leaving the side 16th in the table, twelve points off the automatic promotion places.
TalkSPORT journalist Alex Crook first reported the news early on Thursday afternoon, claiming that the ex-Queens Park Rangers midfielder had been relieved from his duties. Shortly after, the club confirmed this report.
Bristol Rovers released a statement, thanking Barton for his services at the Memorial Stadium:
“Bristol Rovers Football Club can confirm that today the club has relieved First Team Manager Joey Barton of his duties.
“Everyone at the club would like to thank Joey for all his efforts and wish him well in the future.”
As things stand, assistant coach Andy Mangan will take charge of the team ahead of this weekend’s clash against a gritty Northampton Town but rumours have been circulating about who will be Barton’s successor.
According to journalist Darren Witcoop, former Bristol City manager Steve Cotterill is keen to get back into coaching after his resignation at Shrewsbury Town in June and has set his sights on the vacant Rovers job.
Steve Cotterill’s name cropping up with every job in League One. But understand he’s keen on replacing Joey Barton at Bristol Rovers. Dean Holden, another ex-Bristol City manager, also in the mix and is highly thought of #brfc #bristolrovers
— Darren Witcoop (@DarrenOWitcoop) October 27, 2023
Just a few weeks back, Cotterill was handed the opportunity to take over at his old club Cheltenham Town after Wade Elliot was dismissed but he reportedly turned down the opportunity.
TeamTalk are claiming that ex-Leeds United assistant coach Cameron Toshack, son of two-time Real Madrid boss John, is also being discussed amongst the board as a possible replacement for the outgoing Bristol Rovers head coach.
Writer’s View
Cotterill is an excellent manager but whether Rovers fans would be over the moon about a former Bristol City manager taking the reins at the Memorial Stadium is another issue.
Nevertheless, Cotterill has earned promotion four times throughout his lengthy managerial career and knows League One very well so it could be a safe appointment for the hierarchy.
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