Football Rovers under pressure to find the right man for the job

As what proved to be Inigo Calderon's final interview as Bristol Rovers head coach concluded, the Spaniard thanked local reporters for their support throughout the season with a smile. Although he didn't say the word, it felt like a goodbye.

- Daniel HARGRAVES

In fairness to the now former Rovers boss, he responded to any questions surrounding next season and the work that has to be done over the summer as best he could, likely knowing he would not be the man to lead the club in League Two. He declared his desire to stay on, noting "unfinished business". However, it was not to be.

For the third time since the Kuwaiti takeover of the club less than two years ago, Rovers are looking for a new permanent manager. Their two appointments so far have failed and the club now finds itself back where they never wanted to be - League Two. Without trying to be Captain Obvious, they cannot get this next appointment wrong.

The last time the Gas dropped into the fourth tier, they were able to get out at the first time of asking. Numerous clubs have not been as lucky with the likes of Bradford City (until Saturday), MK Dons and Swindon Town just some of the clubs that have known heights higher thank League One but have lurked in the bottom level of league football for years. Get this next appointment wrong and Rovers will join that list. Of course, new director of football Ricky Martin will be leading the search process, which Bristol Live understands is very much already underway with potential candidates already being spoken to. There is never an exact timeline on these things but the hope will be that an appointment is made swiftly to eradicate any uncertainty.

It is some start to the job for the ex-Stoke City and Norwich City technical director. Not only have 15 players already left the football club that will need to be replaced, Martin is also being entrusted to select a manager that will give Rovers the best possible chance of securing promotion.