BRISTOL ROVERS have appointed Steve Evans as their new head coach on a contract until the end of the season.
The controversial manager, 63, has been tasked with leading the Gas away from a relegation dogfight in League Two.
Rovers sacked boss Darrell Clarke and his assistant Jon Stead hours after their 3-0 mauling against Swindon on Saturday.
And they have moved quickly to bring Evans into the dugout as they aim to avoid dropping into the National League.
The Scotsman had been on the market since his second spell in charge of Rotherham came to an end in March.
Rovers are the 10th different club that Evans has taken charge of, having also been in the hot-seat with the likes of Leeds, Peterborough, Gillingham and Stevenage.
He has inherited a side low on confidence and sitting in the League Two relegation zone.
Only Newport are below Rovers, who have notched 17 points in their first 20 games of the season, highlighting the challenge Evans is facing.
The Gas have not recorded a domestic win since beating Salford City in September.
And their latest loss against Swindon was Rovers’ 10th League Two defeat on the spin.
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They were relegated from League One last term, when they had three different managers.
Matt Taylor and former Brighton defender Inigo Calderon were at the helm either side of interim chief David Horseman.
And the strugglers’ hierarchy decided a change needed to be made at the weekend to alleviate fears of a second successive relegation.
A club statement read: “Bristol Rovers FC can confirm that men’s first team head coach Darrell Clarke and assistant head coach Jon Stead have been relieved of their duties.
“The club would like to place on record our sincere thanks to Darrell and Jon for their hard work and efforts.
“Darrell’s legacy at the club is assured and he will always be warmly welcomed at The Memorial Stadium.”
