Bristol Rovers chairman Hussain Al Saeed has issued an open letter to Gasheads following the club’s relegation to League Two, aplogising for results and falling “short of standards.”
The Gas’ three-year stay in League One was officially ended last week with one match remaining as Rovers concluded their season with a dismal run of just one point in 10 matches.
That subsequently lead to the decision to relieve head coach Inigo Calderon of his duties following the full-time whistle in Rovers’ final game of the season, a 4-1 defeat at Blackpool on Saturday.
Speaking to supporters via the club’s media and communications team, Al Saeed said: “To Gasheads far and wide,
“As chairman of Bristol Rovers Football Club, I want to speak to you directly at the conclusion of the 2024/25 season — a campaign that has ended in relegation from Sky Bet League One.
“We apologise for the results, which have let us all down. Despite a significant increase in the football budget, the performances on the pitch did not reflect the resources and investment we committed. Additionally, injuries have affected the playing squad and contributed to inconsistent results.
“We fell short of the standards we set for ourselves and that you expect from us. That is the reality, and it demands a clear, focused response.
“Your unwavering support — home and away, throughout the season — has not gone unnoticed. You showed more commitment than many of the performances on the pitch reflected, especially towards the end of the campaign.
“Since becoming part of the Rovers family, I’ve come to understand the depth of connection people feel to this club. That same connection drives me now, not only emotionally but also in the responsibility I hold to move us forward.
“Work is already underway to rebuild and reposition the club for the upcoming season. We’ve brought in Ricky Martin as Director of Football, whose experience and insight are already shaping a strategic overhaul of our football operation. His role is critical to how we rebuild.
“Following a comprehensive review, we parted ways with Inigo Calderon. While his passion was evident, the outcomes didn’t align with the direction we need to take. We thank him for his efforts and wish him well in the next stage of his career.”
Less than 72 hours after Calderon’s departure was announced, Rovers confirmed the re-appointment of fan favourite Darrell Clarke as their new head coach.
Clarke spent four-and-a-half years in charge of the Gas, leading them to back-to-back promotions from the Conference to League One before establishing Rovers in the third tier.
Since his depature six-and-a-half years ago, the 47-year-old has had managerial roles at Walsall, Port Vale, Cheltenham Town and Barnsley, leading Vale to League Two play-off success in 2022. He officially starts on May 19.
In moving forward, we’ve appointed Darrell Clarke as head coach,” Al Saeed continued. “Darrell’s history with this club, combined with his energy and experience, made him the clear choice to lead the team into the next phase. We’re backing him fully and completely; with resources, with structure, and with time.
“Our focus now is on assembling a squad that reflects our ambition and the values of this club. We aim to build a team that competes, represents, and earns your continued support.
“Beyond the pitch, development plans for both the Memorial Stadium and our training facilities are progressing. Consultants have been appointed, and due diligence is being carried out with local authorities. We’re committed to getting this right and will present our plans once we are fully cleared to proceed.
“This relegation is a setback, but it is not the end of our story. We’re building stronger foundations: on the field, behind the scenes, and in the infrastructure that underpins long-term success.
“Everything we do from here on will be judged by outcomes. That’s how it should be. We are aligned in our ambition to restore Bristol Rovers to where it belongs and will need your continued passion and support along the way.
Thank you for backing and supporting the club. I am proud to be chairman of Bristol Rovers and committed to doing what it takes to deliver the progress you expect and deserve.
“Up The Gas!
“Hussain AlSaeed”
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