Football / Bristol Rovers
Rovers manager to take leave of absence
With just two days to go before their second round FA cup match against Barnsley, the Gas have announced manager Matt Taylor will be taking a leave of absence due to an ongoing family emergency.
The former football player, who once played for the likes of Charlton Athletic and Exeter City, first went into management in 2018 when he become the first team manager at Exeter City.
He then became manager at Rotherham United in 2022 before leaving to join the Rovers in December 2023 on a three-and-a-half year contract.
At the time, Rovers chairman Hussain AlSaeed said he was “delighted” with Taylor’s appointment.
Hussein AlSaeed currently owns 55 per cent of the club’s holding company and, over the next 18 months, is expected to acquire all the shares owned by fellow club co-owners Wael and Samer Al Qadi.
With Matt Taylor now taking a leave of absence, the Rovers have confirmed that first team coach, David Horseman, and assistant manager Wayne Carlisle will take over Taylor’s management duties.
Carlisle previously worked on Taylor’s management teams at Exeter City and Rotherham United before leaving Rotherham to join the Rovers in February 2024.
In a statement, Bristol Rovers said: “The thoughts and prayers of everyone at Bristol Rovers are with Matt and his family during this difficult period, and we look forward to welcoming him back to work as soon as is suitable.
“The Club will be making no further comment and asks that the privacy of Matt and his family respected during this time.”
Main photo: Bristol Rovers
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