Darrell Clarke has set Bristol Rovers fans’ hearts a flutter on Monday afternoon with Bristol Rovers’ legendary former manager stepping down at Walsall, but the 43-year-old will not be returning to the Mem.
Bristol Live understands that despite Clarke retaining strong relations with president Wael Al-Qadi and director of football Tommy Widdrington, who he brought to north Bristol in 2018, Clarke isn’t a contender for the manager’s job at the Gas.
Clarke, who led Rovers to back-to-back promotions out of the National League and into League One, is leaving Walsall after 76 games in charge at the Bescot Stadium and on the back of a disappointing run of one win in seven matches.
Football Insider have reported Clarke didn’t take first-team training today ahead of his departure to an unnamed new job and chairman Leigh Pomlett has addressed the players this afternoon to inform them of Clarke’s departure.
Bristol Rovers League One relegation rivals Northampton Town look the most likely fit for Clarke following the dismissal of Keith Curle earlier this month, with the Bristolian now interested in the Rovers vacancy.
Should Clarke take over at Northampton it adds an extra layer to a League One relegation battle that is becoming increasingly tight with the Cobblers second bottom but level on points with Rovers.
Clarke left the Mem in December 2018 after four-and-a-half memorable years and his connection with the club and a number of the staff remains strong but there is no desire for a professional reunion at this stage.
Bristol Live understands that the Gas are yet to hone in on a replacement for Paul Tisdale after his sacking last Wednesday and meetings are planned for today and tomorrow.
Caretaker manager Widdrington said earlier this morning: “I haven’t spoken to anybody yet myself, but I plan to. As you know, I’m part of that process, some from that point of view that’s something I’m doing alongside what I’m doing now.
“The sooner you let me go and the quicker I get the training done, the sooner I might be able to speak to someone.”
