Bristol Rovers is delighted to confirm that Byron Anthony has been appointed to the Men's first team coaching staff.
Anthony will work closely alongside Manager Steve Evans and Assistant Manager Paul Raynor as the Gas get ready for the 2026/27 Sky Bet League Two season.
The 41-year-old has been the Academy Manager at the Club since July 2022 and initially linked up with the senior side in December 2025, forming part of the coaching department which oversaw a vast upturn in form in the second half of the season.
“It’s a fantastic feeling," he said. "I’ve got a really good affiliation with this Football Club that goes back a long way, six years as a player and almost five years now as a coach and as a leader of the academy.
“I’m really excited. I really enjoyed the six months at the back end of the season, getting where we needed to be in terms of safety, going on a really good run of form, and really galvanising the stadium again and the supporters. We ended the season in a really good position.
“As soon as we had those conversations with Steve towards the backend of the season, I jumped at the opportunity, and I am proud to be taking on this role in what is the next step in my career.
"I am really grateful to the Chairman and the Board for allowing me to step into this role, but the manager was a huge advocate for where I was and what I have added to the first team. Long may that continue and our relationship continue to blossom.”
Men's First Team Manager Steve Evans said: "I am delighted that Byron has joined the first-team coaching staff on a permanent basis.
“Byron has been up with the first team in a support role for a few months and, despite it being very much a learning process, he is deserving of the chance to work at this level."
Anthony has a close connection with Rovers, which began in 2006 when he signed for the Gas from Cardiff City. The defender made his debut in the blue-and-white quarters in a 1-0 victory over Grimsby Town in League Two and made 32 appearances across all competitions, starting the Pirates' 3-1 win over Shrewsbury Town in the play-off final at Wembley.
He spent five and a half seasons with the Pirates, playing 190 times across all competitions and netting nine goals before having spells at Hereford United and Newport County.
Anthony retired from playing professional football after playing for four different clubs and making 243 appearances, whilst also representing Wales at the youth level. He had coaching spells at Newport County, Swansea City and the Gas, moving away from Rovers Academy to take his first steps into senior football.
"I would like to think we have the academy where we need it to be for now," said Anthony. "We’re still continuing to build; there will be players coming through the system, and I hope I can be that connection between the academy and the first team for the ones that do make the grade.
"We’ll see it in the coming weeks, where there are other players that are stepping up to the first team environment. This academy and our academy are vital to us and vital to our future.
"You always look forward to pre-season. I don’t think we actually realise what it’s like until you go into that little break, which is the off-season, and you have a week or two, and then you’re ready to go again.
"You miss that day-to-day involvement. Pre-season will come thick and fast, and we’ll be reenergised and ready to go. We’ll work the boys really hard, and we’ll be looking towards a competitive pre-season leading into the program."
Everyone at Bristol Rovers wishes Byron every success as he steps into the role of Men's First Team Coach.
