League One Bristol Rovers have appointed Brighton and Hove Albion under-18 coach Iñigo Calderón as their new manager.
The 42-year-old has been confirmed by the club as their new boss on a two and a half year contract after the sacking of Matt Taylor.
The club were two points above the relegation zone after a defeat to leaders Birmingham City, which prompted the board to part company with Taylor after only a year with the Gas.
They embarked on what was described in a statement as “a thorough recruitment process for a new first-team manager.” Before settling on somewhat of a left field choice despite being linked to several big names including Xisco Munoz, Aitor Karanka, Kevin Nolan, and Michael Wimmer.
Left Field Choice for Bristol Rovers
In a similar pattern to several League One sides in recent years, the Gas have picked up an impressive coach from a club higher up the pyramid. Chris Davies and Michael Skubala at Birmingham and Lincoln, respectively, have been successful so far.
It will mean that Iñigo Calderón will have the time to build the squad he wants and develop in his first major EFL role before potentially either moving up the pyramid with the club or move on to a bigger opportunity and get the club some more money in the coffers.
A miserable season for the Gas
This season has not gone to plan for Bristol Rovers they sit in the lower half of the table four points above the relegation zone (at the time of writing).
They are currently drawing with Exeter City having lost three in a row.
What has been said?
Director of Football George Friend stated:
“I am delighted to welcome Iñigo to the Club and have him on board as our new Head Coach. Iñigo is someone I have followed for a long time, both as a player and as a coach, and he already has a thorough understanding of English football and the culture of the game here.
“Iñigo is an excellent coach and what has become obviously clear from our conversations is that he is full of the character, ambition and enthusiasm to not only be the best head coach he can, but to help drive Bristol Rovers to success too.
“We are all excited for what Iñigo will bring to our squad, our staff, and our supporters.”