Bristol Rovers have appointed former Exeter City boss Paul Tisdale as their new manager. The 47-year-old replaces Ben Garner, who was relieved of his duties on November, 14.
Tisdale has signed a two-and-a-half-year deal with Rovers.
Paul Tisdale Appointed as New Bristol Rovers Manager
✍️ Paul Tisdale signs a two and a half year deal with the Gas!
👇 Read more down below…#BristolRovers
— Bristol Rovers (@Official_BRFC) November 19, 2020
Experienced in the Lower Leagues
Paul Tisdale brings a wealth of lower league experience with him, having spent 13 years at Exeter City and MK Dons. The 47-year-old spent 12 seasons with the Grecians, winning promotion from the Conference Premier and League Two in successive seasons.
During his time with Exeter, Tisdale won the LMA League Two Manager of the Year following the clubs’ promotion to League One.
Tisdale left in 2018 having failed to agree on a new contract with the club. He joined recently relegated League Two side MK Dons just five days later and had a stellar debut season.
In addition to winning a Manager of the Month award, Tisdale led the Dons to automatic promotion back to League One at the first attempt after finishing third in League Two.
But, following a poor start to the new season, Tisdale was relieved of his duties at Stadium:MK.
Slow Start for Bristol Rovers
The decision to sale Garner may have come as a surprise. The Gas drew their opening game of the season at Sunderland before back to back defeats, but the side then went four league games unbeaten, which included three wins.
But picking up just one point from their next three games ultimately sealed his fate, leaving them precariously close to the bottom four.
Task Ahead for Tisdale
Bristol Rovers wouldn’t have been looking to secure automatic promotion this season, but their summer spending spree should have seen the Gas in a more fruitful league position.
Tisdale will be tasked with propelling Rovers up the table, alongside a potential rebuild ready for next season.
Building a Bristol Rovers DNA
Bristol Rovers CEO Martyn Starnes told the club website: “We are delighted to welcome Paul to the football club.
“Paul has a vast amount of experience in the game and has several promotions on his CV. His ambition and long-term goals mirror that of the club’s ongoing strategy, to build a Bristol Rovers DNA.
“His track record of developing younger players is impressive and we believe he’s the ideal person to maximise the full potential that the playing squad possesses.
“We look forward to working closely with Paul to bring success to Bristol Rovers F.C.”
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