Graham Coughlan: Bristol Rovers appoint new manager after five-match spell as caretaker

Graham Coughlan: Bristol Rovers appoint new manager after five-match spell as caretaker
Bristol Rovers have appointed Graham Coughlan as their new manager on a two-and-a-half year deal, the League One club have announced.The 44-year-old has impressed during a five-match spell as caretaker manager following the departure of Darrell Clarke in mid-December.Coughlan has seen Rovers collect 10 points during that time and the club have moved out of the relegation zone to stand currently undefeated in four matches after Saturday’s goalless draw with Burton.2

Coughlan was appointed Rovers’ caretaker manager last month

Rovers club president Wael Al Qadi told the club’s official website: “From early on in his interim role, we saw something in Graham that suggested he was the right man to take this football club forward.“We are really happy that Graham has committed his future to the club and we wish him every success here.”Coughlan’s first assignment as permanent boss is an EFL Trophy clash away to Northampton on Tuesday and he is delighted to take the reigns an a full-time basis.He said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at the club since arriving in the summer and have felt honoured to be in interim charge of such a big football club for the past five games. “I have made it no secret of my desire to take over on a permanent basis and I am thrilled to be the man the club have trusted to take us forward.”Coughlan added: “In the five matches I have overseen the team, along with my experience and love of the game, I believe that I have shown I am capable of building on the great work that Darrell Clarke has done in recent years.“I would like to extend my greatest thanks to the supporters, staff and board who have been outstanding in the time I have been in charge.2

Coughlan has previously been on the coaching staff at Southend

“I’d also like to place on note my particular thanks also to (chief executive officer) Martyn Starnes for the hard work and professionalism that he has shown throughout this process.“Together with the supporters, we have already enjoyed some great moments and I can’t wait to create even more.”

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