Bristol Rovers

Manager Darrell Clarke has restructured his backroom staff and handed Steve Yates a new role as Coach and Recruitment Consultant while appointing former Rovers youth team player Marco Carota as his new kit manager.

“Since taking over as manager,” said Darrell, “the club has been operating without a Chief Scout and while we have a few scouts undertaking match reports on our opponents I want to build up a long term recruitment policy.

 “We have already established excellent links with a number of Premiership and Championship sides with regard to identifying suitable U-21 players for loans, or transfer. Steve’s role will involve him in taking a look at those players in training and in games and also watching a number of non league games to identify players who might be able to make the step up to league football.

“He will continue with his coaching duties and I am delighted that he has accepted this new and challenging role. It’s been a pleasure to work alongside Steve. He is a colleague I can trust impeccably and I look forward to continuing our excellent working relationship.”

Steve, who relinquishes his kit manager duties this weekend, said; “I am pleased to accept this new position and am looking forward to the challenge of assisting with the recruitment of new players who can help take this club forward.”

Marco Carota, who takes over the role of kit manager with immediate effect is, like Steve, a former Rovers player and the two played together in the same Rovers youth side.

Of his new member of staff Darrell said; “I am pleased to welcome Marco to the club and I’m sure he will prove to be an asset to our backroom team.

“I was impressed with his interview and his eagerness and enthusiasm to return to the club he played for as a youngster and one he still supports.”

Marco said; “It’s great to be back at Rovers as I always hoped I would be able to return at some point and I am looking forward to working with Darrell and his staff.”