Darrell Clarke shared the reasons for his return to Bristol Rovers and his ambitions for the 2025/26 Sky Bet League Two season in his first press conference since coming back to the Gas as Head Coach.
The 47-year-old is back for his second spell at the Pirates after gaining back-to-back promotions with Rovers between 2014-18 and signed a three-year contract with the Club ahead of the new campaign.
Clarke has gained plenty of experience in his coaching career, achieving promotion to League One with Port Vale and managing Walsall, Cheltenham and Barnsley.
Speaking to the media on his first official day back at the Club, Clarke also discussed his affinity with the Rovers, the squad, and the fans’ reactions to his
arrival.
What has brought you back to Bristol Rovers?
“I would have walked back. The affinity that I have with the Club and with the supporters in the past and when the phone call came and it was the right time to talk. It was an opportunity where I could not wait to get cracking again.”
You once said that you would never go back. What changed your mind?
“I am not so sure. Go and ask David Moyes. He has done a good job at Everton. There’s a lot of things saying that Football Clubs should never go back, and I understand that, but for me, it’s a different Club to the one I left. The resources and certainly the training facilities are fantastic. Certainly, at the top end of League One.
“We didn’t have that last time. So, that was a massive pull, and I know the owners are trying to do the right thing to get the stadium up to a much better standard to make sure that we’re in a better place. So, for me, it’s a Club that has got the ambition to kick on, and unfortunately for us, it’s back in League Two. But that’s all by the by, shall we say now. It’s a fresh start for everyone.”
This isn’t just a sentimental reunion, is it?
“Not at all. I’m here to win. Sentiment doesn’t come into it for me. Yes, I’ve got a fantastic rapport with the fans, and that’s hopefully going to help us get some results. But, for me, I’m here to win. It’s a Club that should be challenging at the top end of League One, trying to get into the Championship. We got close last time with nowhere near the resources that I’m going to be given this time. So, that whets my appetite and gives me the opportunity to build something good here with Ricky Martin on the footballing side of things to make sure that we get everything done right and moving forward.”
How different is the Darrell Clarke now compared to the one that left here in 2018?
“I always say that my banter has got better. That’s 100 per cent. You work with different boards. You work with different owners. You work with different circumstances at different Football Clubs and different players. The skillset goes on, and the leadership is ever continuing. I talked about it the other day. I am addicted to leadership and leading, and I would like to think that over the years, I’ve got better, and I still want to keep improving on that to make sure I become a better leader. So, I believe you’re getting a better manager and a better leader. As everyone knows, the game is about results, isn’t it?”
When you look back at your first spell, so much was achieved. Did you feel like there was unfinished business?
“Very much so. Trying to get this club into the Championship is one of my dreams. Having started in League Two again makes that more difficult to accomplish, but it’s still a desire, and why can’t I leave another legacy? How come this place isn’t rocking? It takes a lot of effort and doesn’t happen overnight, but I am confident that we can build it together.
The job has already begun and will continue because that is the goal of football clubs, and if you want to reach the heights that I and I both desire, you must put in a lot of effort at it. Thus, there is undoubtedly unresolved business.
