Football Martin looks set for a busy summer

RICKY Martin has hardly been at Bristol Rovers for a month, but already the Gas' new director of football has overseen some significant decisions.

- Daniel HARGRAVES

The most notable came in the dugout. Rovers have opted for a change in head coach, as Inigo Calderon departed last weekend following the conclusion of the season before Darrell Clarke was appointed on Tuesday.

Being extremely well thought of by Gasheads after his previous stint in BS7, the return of Clarke has significantly lifted the mood of the fanbase following the major disappointment of relegation.

However, that feelgood factor will only be prolonged into the new season if Rovers fans see some transfer business that excites them. The club are set for another busy summer in the market following the departure of 15 players.

Martin, who has replaced George Friend after the former Gas director of football's resignation was announced a month ago, has arrived in north Bristol with the best part of 30 years' experience in the game having worked at clubs such as Norwich City, West Ham United and Stoke City.

The new Rovers recruitment chief has exclaimed that he wants to communicate as openly as possible with supporters and that started with his first public interview in the role, speaking to BBC Radio Bristol earlier this week.

The process of bringing back Darrell Clarke

The major discussion this week hasn’t revolved around the aftermath of relegation but, instead, the appointment of Darrell Clarke as head coach on Tuesday evening.

Although in the club's statement, Martin declared that Clarke was their “number one target” he also revealed in his interview that there were some “top candidates” also interviewed for the position when discussing the process of re-hiring the Rovers legend.