Head of youth Kevin Hodges has today confirmed that former Rovers defender Billy Clark will take charge of the club's under 18s team on a permanent basis.

Billy, who made almost 250 league appearances for Rovers, is already a coach at Filton College, but up until the last few weeks, has been playing for Weston-Super-Mare.

Former boss Tony Ricketts has stepped down from the role to concentrate on his position as manager at Weston.

"When Tony stepped down due to his commitments with Weston-super-Mare, we needed some continuity with a new manager taking over, and Billy provides that," Kevin told bristolrovers.co.uk.

"Billy has been in charge of the under 18s for the last two games and has overseen two wins, so he's made a great start.

"He's well qualified to do the job as he's got his A level coaching badge and has been a coach at Filton College as well as having played professional football, so he knows the system and what's required to make it through to the professional ranks.

"When I was manager of Clevedon, he took on some coaching duties at the club, so I'm aware of his capabilities and I'm looking forward to working with him again."