Football Clarke insists he will manage Rovers his way - without any interference

DARRELL Clarke has offered reassurance to Bristol Rovers supporters that he and director of football Ricky Martin "will be in charge of the football decisions" following speculation of interference from above.

- Daniel HARGRAVES

Rumours that there has been interference from the hierarchy when it came to footballing decisions emerged towards the back end of the campaign while former manager Matt Taylor noted a lack of control in an interview. Another ex-Rovers boss in Joey Barton has also discussed issues he had personally with the hierarchy on his podcast Common Sense.

However, Clarke has looked to nip ongoing noise in the bud following his return to the football club as head coach.

Speaking to BBC Radio Bristol in an extended interview, the new Gas boss addressed rumours and speculation, saying: "The talks that we had, and I just want to reassure supporters that obviously Ricky's my director of football. We'll be in charge of the football decisions. We've got a recruitment team behind that. But I'll be making the final decisions, and I can tell you that no one is picking the team.