On New Year’s Day 2025, Bristol Rovers were 20th and two points clear of Crawley Town. Burton Albion had just 14 points from 23 games and sat rock bottom. Both sides had the same goal difference and had been in abject form through December, having also both appointed new managers that month.
The Brewers opted for experienced man Gary Bowyer a couple of weeks before Rovers turned to Brighton Academy’s Inigo Calderon to offer him his maiden managerial role in professional football, to replace the more pragmatic Matt Taylor.
The Spaniard was quickly warmed to by fans with his more expansive and exciting brand of football a direct opposite to his predecessor. However despite moments of promise and some encouraging wins, Calderon has overseen Rovers fall into the bottom four in recent weeks with the continued form of Bowyer’s men. Ironically, the Gas have done the double on Albion, winning both (away, home) games 3-1 – the second of which involved both new appointments.
Rovers are now three points behind Burton after their last minute win against Cambridge, which relegated the U’s in the process. The Brewers will host division low-scorers Wigan on Tuesday to mathematically confirm their safety – just a point would finalise their great escape, and relegate both Rovers and Crawley (now 21st). With the Gas squandering recent opportunities for points against Mansfield, Exeter, and Stevenage, the relegation battle should no longer be fought on the final day.
So where / how has it gone quite so wrong at Bristol Rovers?..
Rinse, Repeat, Defeat
Far too many of Rovers’ (home) defeats have followed the same pattern: start brightly and impress (to an extent), the opposition soaks up pressure, Rovers concede a (disappointing) goal against the run of play and then struggle to break down the inevitable low block that follows. Meanwhile, the Gas also have the worst away record in the league.
Teams travelling to the Mem should know this by now – survive the opening 10-30 minutes and you have a chance. Rovers’ ability to hold leads has actually been fairly good, however it remains the opening goal that almost always decides the outcome.
The Gas’ ability to score early goals has seemed to frustratingly fizzle out when it matters most, despite having a good 2025 home record of scoring first and scoring early. That run saw Rovers win five out of seven games (and a last minute draw against Stockport) at the Memorial Stadium after losing on New Year’s Day.
Defeat to Mansfield ended that home form, and Rovers haven’t won at the Mem – or in fact all at all – since. It’s interesting to note that since the 5-0 thumping in Lincoln, all six defeats have occurred by just a single goal. That’s an incredibly frustrating fact, showing that arguably more annoyingly, the Gas haven’t been completely played off the park in any of those fixtures, even if displays have left a lot to be desired.
It’ll come as nothing of a surprise that Rovers have conceded first in 100% of the run of seven defeats in eight. The one point yielded in that run was a hard-fought point in Wrexham, where it won’t come as a surprise, again, to remember that it was the one game in that run where Rovers took the lead. The pattern is simple.
Discussed recently: it’s nothing new for sides struggling towards the bottom to fail to take points after conceding first, but it’s just another factor that confirms Rovers are sadly where they belong. Frustratingly, a near carbon copy defeat (as examined) against Stevenage followed the impressive and rare away point at Wrexham.
In North Wales, Rovers went ahead with a Taylor Moore corner header, then conceded towards the end and settled for a point. The game played out incredibly similarly to the trip to Bolton with the Gas frustrating the superior home side, but at least having something to hold onto, so conceding meant a single point rather than none.
It goes to show just how important going ahead really is, when the back-to-back impressive home wins against Huddersfield and Bolton came with Rovers scoring in the 10th and 6th minute respectively. Securing the opening goal seems to invigorate the side into a hard-working, team display, with a clear plan to seeing out the game – even if that’s 80 or so minutes!
The mentality when this doesn’t happen is lacking – it’s clear Rovers don’t have the confidence to show off the flair possessed in attack, and losing Promise Omochere and Chris Martin has seemingly proved damning. Calderon has recognised this psychological issue amidst discussing the lack of leadership, while also confessing that striker Gatlin O’Donkor is playing too many minutes – but that to take him off while continuously chasing goals would just add questions on him.
Interestingly it appears the Gas just seem to ‘turn up’ more for the bigger games – well, games against ‘superior opposition’. This is fairly widely recognised among fans and can be explained to some extent by ‘lower sides’ generally being more happy to sit back and follow the pattern that has so often been the undoing.
It’s an incredibly frustrating but probably deserved position Rovers therefore find themselves in. While injuries have hurt the side more than many fans will probably admit, the continued omission of loanee Michael Reindorf means that line of thinking only goes so far when feeling sorry for the weight of the situation thrusted upon O’Donkor, at least. But the losses of Omochere, Martin, and Kamil Conteh – who may never play a minute under Calderon if his release clause is met this summer – have ultimately proven fatal.
Managerial Mishaps
Matt Taylor ensued a poor end to his 23/24 season at Rovers, winning just two of the final 11 league matches, including a outstanding scoreless streak of seven games. That streak began the run of 11 but was halted with an impressive display that arguably relegated local rivals Cheltenham Town. Win against Cambridge the next game preceded consecutive 2-0 losses to end the season – if Rovers didn’t win, they didn’t score.
Nevertheless it was felt Taylor deserved a summer window to attract his own personnel (discussed more below). Regardless of the outcome, it can’t be denied he was backed in the market, and brought in 16 players, while overseeing Antony Evans’ inevitable departure. He brought in defenders that suited his preferred back three setup while also recruiting a set of exciting young attackers. On the face of it, Rovers should’ve been comfortably midtable.
However, it obviously hasn’t worked out that way. Taylor once again oversaw an unwanted attacking record, going multiple games without a shot on target. Perhaps the former defender didn’t bring out the best in his young and exciting, yet inexperienced at this level, attackers. Ruel Sotiriou confessed it was the eventual change in management that led to his run of form and renewed confidence and freedom, after ‘some promises’ were not kept to him. Meanwhile, Luke Thomas was seemingly frozen out for months towards the end of Taylor’s tenure, despite being such a key asset prior.
In the end Taylor was sacked in mid-December following an empty yet somewhat respectable 2-0 defeat in Birmingham. That came just a couple of weeks after FA Cup triumph in Barnsley on penalties – albeit under the leadership of David Horseman, due to Taylor taking compassionate leave. Despite his struggles, the decision to part ways is largely (eventually) accepted as the right one, and he left Rovers with the reputation as a “nice guy”.
Noted earlier, Rovers were certainly towards the bottom come Christmas, but many considered a change of energy and more yield from the promising array of attackers would steer them comfortably away from the drop, with plenty of football still to come. As a result, Inigo Calderon was the chosen candidate after work permit issues scuppered a deal for German Michael Wimmer.
The Spaniard was quickly accepted by Gasheads, even taking photos with fans before the Boxing Day game in Exeter (watch) – the day he was officially appointed. In the months going forwards, his style of play was evidently different. Maybe in the Pep Guardiola model, Calderon built a foundation on short passes, but ultimately attacking football no matter. A mixed January led into a good start to February, where Rovers crucially beat fellow strugglers Peterborough and Burton, with an injury time leveller against Stockport in the middle making a run of three games unbeaten at the Mem.
After that win against the Brewers, Rovers sat 17th – seven points clear of the drop, nine over Burton, and had a game in hand against most of the teams below. Now after defeat against Stevenage, the Gas are 21st, and Burton hold the game in hand.
Just two wins in 14 games have led to that position, even if those wins represented remarkable character and near-perfect displays against superior sides. Promise Omochere only managed eight minutes against the Terriers and hasn’t played again since – nevertheless, the Gas fought for a 1-0 win. A few days later Rovers hosted Bolton in probably the game of the season; Chris Martin’s brace inspired a thrilling 3-2 win.
Defensive disasters (summed up in the must win game against Mansfield) and a lack of goals has ultimately taken Rovers into the drop zone. Was it naive to appoint such an inexperienced manager for a League One relegation battle? Perhaps, but in December there was still enough confidence Rovers had more than enough.
Compared to the experienced Gary Bowyer at Burton, Calderon plays more expansive football. Again, naive? Probably. Trying to embed a style that relies on confidence when that is scarce may not be wise. It can probably be said Rovers’ successes against Huddersfield and Bolton came with hard-working, simpler displays – albeit both with a lead to hold onto.
That said, to remove Taylor from his post due to a lack of attacking threat, only to switch to a similarly robust style wouldn’t have gone down much better. Calderon was brought in to inspire more attacking football, and that’s been evident in moments.
The decline towards the end of this campaign is therefore just disappointing. Calderon certainly can’t go without blame, with some questionable selections and substitutions, perhaps fronted by the continued omission of striker Michael Reindorf despite struggles. The collapse is unforgivable for some that now want a fresh start with the inevitability of League Two.
Some may look back on Taylor’s tenure with more fondness since the struggles of Calderon. In retrospect, Taylor built his ideal team within his back three system, with the midfield of Conteh and Jamie Lindsay seemingly the perfect compliment for one another. It’s the attack that the former defender could not get functioning to anywhere near its capabilities, and is ultimately why moving on was the right decision. Still, some may wonder what could’ve been, if Taylor had managed to find a few more goals.
It’ll now be an anxious wait for Gasheads to see what that does happen managerially, but on the face of it change seems unlikely with Calderon under contract for another two years. His football could flourish at a level down, but it can’t be ignored that he has lost a portion of support, with fans singing “this is embarrassing”, among other things, as the team left the field most recently.
Risky Recruitment
Under the guidance of rookie Director of Football George Friend, Rovers sought to recruit within a game plan. The above video was made as part of a series by the club in January touring various departments to improve transparity and communication; the overall reception was incredibly positive, and Friend came in for a reasonable amount of praise for his intelligence, even if the form at the time was beginning to turn fans against him and his signings.
Nevertheless, Friend was able to explain clearly the game plan he and his team had developed during the past summer. This still came in for some criticism and with deteriorating results has ultimately been ridiculed. That said, the theory is solid: a game plan, as he explained, is to ensure the club remains sustainable even with manager turnover by recruiting players that fit the model of the club.
For Rovers that meant trying to recruit young and hungry players that could be developed and potentially sold for future profit, but also fit into modern, front-footed football styles. ‘The Kamil Conteh Model’ was also developed the previous January (before Friend took his position), where the club would be willing to spend money on promising talent, with this view of future profit.
It’s certainly easy for some to say now that the recruitment was poor, however that reception certainly wasn’t there in the summer. Isaac Hutchinson was signed for a fee before Evans had even left, signalling strong preparation and planning; Hutchinson was, on the face of it, an exact replacement for the departing star – both in appearance and attributes.
Defenders Taylor Moore and Clinton Mola both signed on free deals soon after, and before June was over. The pair were perfect fits for Taylor’s system – both ‘small’ centre backs, very able to play the outside roles in a back three. As it turned out, both have experienced mixed seasons, but started the campaign in simply superb form as Rovers built themselves on defensive foundations.
Midfielder Lindsay was clearly a target of Taylor, having worked with the Scot at Rotherham, and even turned down a deal at the relegated Millers to reunite. Deals were also done for fees for the attacking trio Omochere, Sotiriou, and Shaq Forde. Forde and Omochere both cost an estimated £800,000 combined; the Irishman has shown his presence in moments but has suffered several injuries this season, while Forde has continued to infuriate Gasheads with his petulant attitude.
Still, it simply can’t be said Taylor wasn’t backed. He even admitted being “surprised” such a deal was done for Forde on deadline day, along with the loan capture of another striker in O’Donkor. Leyton Orient manager Richie Wellens made comment that the Gas were able to offer Sotiriou “40% more” than their highest earner – he turned down a new contract in London for the project in Bristol.
The issue perhaps now for Rovers is that they carry an underperforming squad into whichever league; the majority sit on three year deals and could be unfavourable of a move away. Nonetheless, the bases on which they were signed – ie. their young and promising nature – means the club are also unlikely to want to give up on so many investments, even if Gasheads would like them to.
The integration of youngsters Micah Anthony and Dan Ellison (who’s had a brilliant campaign at Aldershot) in League Two should save Rovers at least a couple of transfers after being recruited last summer as part of the future plan. Summer 2024 was already busy, with an eventual 30 players moving in either direction. It’s not uncommon for League One / Two sides to have continued summers of large turnover: the common maximised use of the loan system sees a minimum of five players depart at the end of each season, while contracts are typically just a year or two in duration.
An area Rovers may be frustrated with is their use of the loan market, even with Josh Griffiths remaining a PotS candidate despite unfortunately being recalled by West Brom in January. Lino Sousa and O’Donkor have lasted the season in Bristol, while midfielder Jake Garrett and defender Michael Forbes departed prematurely. The latter pair have both ended up in the division below, suggesting Rovers’ pursuit of them was poor – although they were brought in being Championship tested and West Ham under’s captain respectively. Either way, the heights of last season’s Harvey Vale was not reached.
Many players are likely to stay with the Gas under 2027 contracts, even to the disappointment of fans that have branded numerous “gutless” and “League Two quality” in recent games. With a drop to the aforementioned league on the horizon, the impetus will fall on the squad to prove they are indeed better than the fourth tier, and the drop down is the change needed to showcase the talent and skill that a lack of confidence has hidden for too much of the 24/25 campaign.
Owners Under Threat
[getty src=”2183124181″ width=”594″ height=”396″]
Bristol Rovers’ ownership under the AlSaeed’s has been turbulent. The Kuwaiti family bought a majority stake from Wael Al Qadi almost two years ago, with the Jordanian writing off any debt owed to his other ventures. In theory, Rovers had a fresh start and no debt as they looked to build on a mediocre but acceptable return season to League One.
However the experience has led to mass discontent today. Speculation that the ownership has a hand in picking the team has lingered from the end of last season, when Taylor expressed that he’d ‘pick the team he wants’ after a baron run where there was suggestion he was being encouraged to play out of contract players in an attempt to raise their stock.
Joey Barton held back his own accusations, at length, for a while but made several in the last weeks. In that including praise for former CEO Tom Gorringe (now CEO at Swansea), kind words for Al Qadi, and ultimately much negativity towards the new faces at the helm. How much trust people have in Barton’s testimony remains debateable, but it’ll be of concern that in Taylor’s recent interview he revealed it was “very complicated behind the scenes” and that he “never once felt in control.”
The overlap will worry Gasheads that Barton, while more rash in his words, is in fact correct. Noted earlier, Taylor left with a good reputation, meaning his revelations are generally accepted, and all the more alarming.
Communication has long been recognised as a weakness of the ownership, beginning with the uncertainty around the stadium plans that was such a key promise from the start. The series of ‘Inside Rovers’ videos (including the George Friend interview, above) went some way to improve the relationship with fans by presenting an open hand at many of the operations.
Although resentment among Gasheads is certainly climaxing now, it should be noted the investment the AlSaeed family committed to the playing squad in the summer. Discussed above, how successful that turned out to be is questionable, but nevertheless the money was spent. Compared to recent opponents Reading’s struggles – who many would concur deserve their on pitch success, Gasheads should have some gratitude they are not in that position, at least.
Still, relationships do feel fragmented and a rebuild of them a huge challenge. Trust between the ownership and Gasheads could’ve come to heads in the final home game last weekend against – as mentioned, somewhat ironically – Reading.
League Two Beckons…
Rovers would be naive to think they’d simply walk to an immediate in League One return. That feat was achieved three years ago but relied on an outstanding run in the new year, catalysed by the late loan capture of Elliot Anderson – now Premier League proven, as well as getting minutes in the Champions League. The fall of Walsall will also serve as a stark reminder that even a superb start isn’t a guarantee of promotion.
That said, with the expectation of holding onto much of the current side that has in moments, even if too few, impressed in the third tier, the Gas could see themselves at least somewhat well fancied. However, are Rovers ready for the change in style that comes with League Two? Well, the most recent result suggests not…
League One has seen numerous big sides fall from the Championship, wanting to assert a dominant, possession based style – most recently Birmingham. While League Two isn’t separate from sides wanting to play passing football, it should be expected to pose a more physical challenge than Rovers have perhaps been exposed to this season.
With that in mind, the recent defeat to Stevenage could be the perfect foreshadowing for what could be to come: a physical side happy to sit behind the ball for the most part, happy to slow the game down, happy to bring on a fifth defender to see the game out. None of that is of course isolated to the fourth tier and has been seen across League One, but the likelihood of seeing such tactics more often is sure to increase.
Ultimately, those characteristics have proven to be what Rovers don’t have the answers for. Gasheads may have to endure another season of struggle if a fresh campaign and a level down doesn’t spark the confidence for players to express themselves more than has been seen so far in blue and white.
