Photo credit: www.bbc.com
Three years ago, Bristol Rovers fans experienced one of the club’s most extraordinary moments, triumphing over Scunthorpe with a remarkable 7-0 victory that secured their automatic promotion to League One. However, the echoes of that high point have not been felt since.
In August 2023, Kuwaiti businessman Hussain AlSaeed assumed majority ownership of the club, ultimately becoming the sole owner three months later. This transition has led to significant changes in the club’s hierarchy, with chief executive Tom Gorringe and director of football George Friend departing during the current season.
Since the dismissal of manager Joey Barton in October 2023, the club has witnessed the appointment of two new managers, Matt Taylor and Inigo Calderon. Taylor indicated potential instability within the management structure before his own departure, notably when Lee Cattermole was appointed to his coaching staff without his consent.
Following a defeat against Reading, which nearly sealed their relegation fate, Calderon remarked, “When I arrived, I felt that there were a lot of bad things that weren’t because of the previous manager. I respect him a lot, but it’s true that when I came to the club, there were many things I didn’t like. Too many.”
Performance on the pitch has plateaued, with the team finishing 15th and 17th in the previous two seasons. The decline in form has worsened during the 2024-25 season. In March, Rovers were nine points clear of the relegation zone, but a streak of six consecutive losses—leading to nine games without a win—has sent them spiraling towards uncertainty.
The team has also struggled away from home, currently holding the worst away record in the league with only three wins and a mere 12 points from 22 matches.
Captain James Wilson acknowledged last weekend that the squad has lacked the fitness necessary to sustain high-performance levels throughout matches, and that expectations both on and off the field have not met the required standards.
With the goal tally standing at just 43 from 45 games, the team’s forward line has been further hindered by injuries. Notably, Promise Omochere is sidelined with a hamstring injury while Chris Martin has undergone knee surgery.
As the prospect of relegation looms, Bristol Rovers anticipates a significant overhaul during the summer to prepare for the challenges of competing in League Two next season.
Source
www.bbc.com