Bristol Rovers have opted to part company with head coach Inigo Calderon following the club’s relegation from League One.
It’s been a miserable season for the Pirates. After a busy summer, they began the campaign as an outside tip for a top six spot. It was thought that they had recruited smartly, and they were in a good position to build on last season’s 15th-placed finish.
They endured a miserable start though, and Matt Taylor was sacked following a 2-0 defeat against Birmingham City in December, a result which left them two points above the relegation places. On Boxing Day, former Brighton & Hove defender Inigo Calderon was handed his first managerial role, joining on a two-and-a-half-year deal.
The Gas never really looked like bouncing back under the Spaniard. Although their home form was decent during the first couple of months of his tenure, a 5-0 defeat away at Lincoln City summed up their woes on the road. It also kickstarted a six-game losing streak which eventually led to their relegation.
Rovers ended the campaign with a 4-1 reverse at Blackpool yesterday, a result which extended their winless run to 10 games.
Bristol Rovers Make Immediate Decision
Although their relegation was confirmed last week, Rovers waited until the season was done and dusted to confirm that Calderon was to leave the club after less than six months. In a short statement, they said:
“Bristol Rovers can confirm that Iñigo Calderón has departed his position as Men’s first team Head Coach.
“Miguel Llera, who has been assisting in the coaching department since March, has also left the Club.
“Everyone at Bristol Rovers would like to thank Iñigo and Miguel for their hard work, dedication and commitment and wish them both every success in their respective future careers.
“A thorough process to recruit a replacement is underway and the Club will be making no further comment at this time.”
Writer’s View
Calderon’s appointment was always a gamble. In hindsight, it’s easy to say that Bristol Rovers should have opted for an experienced head coach to guide them to safety. However, they’re clearly not licking their wounds and are already looking to the future. Accepting that they got this wrong now is the right move. This will give them every opportunity to make sure they have the right man in place ahead of next season, with the intention of making their stay in League Two a short one.
