Football / Bristol Rovers

Steve Evans appointed as new Bristol Rovers manager

By Martin Booth  Wednesday Dec 17, 2025

Steve Evans will be in the Bristol Rovers dugout on Friday at Crewe Alexandra as he takes charge of the Gas for the first time following the sacking of Darrell Clarke.

Rovers will become the tenth club that Evans has managed in his coaching career, including back-to-back promotions with Rotherham United as well as promotions with Stevenage, Crawley Town and Boston United.

Evans has signed a contract until the end of the season at the Memorial Stadium, where he will be joined by assistant head coach Paul Raynor, who has been by his side at many of his previous clubs.

EatDrink24/7 Launch Party is back on July 8 2026!
Exclusive collabs from Bristol’s favourite food vendors, available for one night only. Be first to grab your free copy of the EatDrink24/7 guide – plus every ticket comes with a free limited-edition beer can.

Speaking to club media, Evans said: “It’s fantastic to be here at Bristol Rovers.

“I have had a seven- or eight-month break, and I was delighted to receive the call from Ricky Martin to come and meet him and the owners.

“During those chats, it became very clear and obvious that I wanted to take the job.

“Bristol Rovers is a club that is very traditional. Every time I have brought teams here, I have always said it’s a really difficult place to come.

“I’m really looking forward to it here. It’s a huge club but I’m very mindful of the immediate challenge and I’m looking forward to getting down to work.”

Bristol Rovers director of football, Ricky Martin, added: “I am pleased to welcome Steve to Bristol Rovers Football Club.

“Steve brings a wealth of experience at this level, a deep understanding of the demands of EFL football and a proven ability to get the best out of his players.

“His teams are known for their work ethic, organisation and commitment; all qualities which are central to what we are building here.

“This appointment provides us with clear leadership and direction as we look forward to the coming weeks and months.

“We have moved quickly and decisively to bring Steve in and, while our agreement reflects the current phase of the season, our focus is firmly on the bigger picture for Bristol Rovers.

“We want to raise standards and establish strong principles at this club.”

Main photo: Bristol Rovers

Read next:

Our newsletters emailed directly to you
I want to receive (tick as many as you want):
I'm interested in (for future reference):
Marketing and Privacy Policy

Bristol24/7 will use the information provided on this form to send you marketing from Bristol24/7 and selected advertising partners. Your data will not be passed onto third parties. By completing this form, you are consenting to our use of your data for marketing purposes via email.


We will only use your information in accordance with our privacy policy, which can be viewed here - www.bristol247.com/privacy-policy/ - you can change your mind at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link in the footer of any email you receive from us, or by contacting us at [email protected]. We will treat your information with respect.


We use Mailchimp as our marketing platform. By clicking below to subscribe, you acknowledge that your information will be transferred to Mailchimp for processing. Learn more about Mailchimp's privacy practices here.

EATDRINK24/7 LAUNCH PARTY
CALLING ALL FOODIES!

Bristol's only truly independent food & drink guide is back, and we're throwing a party to celebrate on July 8 2026 at Wiper and True Brewery & Taproom, Old Market.

  • Exclusive collaborations from Bristol's favourite food vendors (you can't try these special dishes anywhere else)
  • Be the first to pick up your free copy of the EatDrink24/7 Guide
  • Music + great drinks
  • Each ticket includes a beer from Wiper and True, a special limited-edition can created just for the occasion.

One night only - don't miss out

Get Your Ticket

Related articles

You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
Independent journalism
is needed now More than ever
You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
Join the Better
Business initiative
You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
* prices do not include VAT
You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
Enjoy delicious local
exclusive deals
You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
Wake up to the latest
Get the breaking news, events and culture in your inbox every morning

Are you sure you want to downgrade?

You will lose some benefits you currently enjoy.
Benefits you will lose: