Bristol Rovers are searching for a new Head Coach, with Matt Bloomfield and Jon Brady the current favourites
14:49, 15 Dec 2025
Matt Bloomfield and Jon Brady
Bristol Rovers have spoken to Matt Bloomfield and Jon Brady about their vacant head coach position, but the former is not expected to become the Gas’ new manager, Bristol Live understands.
Rovers are looking to move quickly in the search for Darrell Clarke’s replacement, with the club sitting in the League Two relegation zone after a club record run of ten consecutive league defeats.
Bloomfield was sacked by Luton Town in October, leaving the Hatters in 11th in League One following last season’s relegation from the Championship. While he was spoken to about the vacant position at The Memorial Stadium, Bloomfield is not expected to be named as Clarke’s successor, BristolLive understands.
OPINION
READ MORE: Darrell Clarke sacked by Bristol Rovers after tenth consecutive league defeat
The 41-year-old has had three managerial roles since retiring from playing in February 2022, spending time at Colchester United and Wycombe Wanderers before making the switch to Kenilworth Road in January 2025. He was particularly successful as the Chairboys’ manager – a club he made over 550 appearances for as a player.
Matt Bloomfield and Luton Town beat Bristol City at Kenilworth Road(Image: Photo by Paul Harding/Getty Images)
When Bloomfield left Wycombe in January, they were second in League One, winning the league’s Manager of the Month award in consecutive months in October and November 2024.
Meanwhile, Brady joined Northampton in 2015, after a successful six and a half year spell as Brackley Town’s manager, winning promotion to the National League North and reaching the second round of the FA Cup in the 2013/14 season after beating Gillingham in the first round.
Brady initially spent time coaching various youth teams at Northampton before being placed in temporary charge of the first-team after the sacking of Keith Curle in February 2021.
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He was unable to steer the Cobblers clear of the League One relegation zone, but was given the job on a full-time basis in May 2021.
Northampton were denied an instant return to the third tier following Rovers’ dramatic 7-0 win against Scunthorpe United, which meant the Gas pipped Brady’s side to the last automatic promotion place on goal difference. The Cobblers went on to lose to Mansfield Town in the play-off semi-finals, but Brady bounced back by winning automatic promotion in the following campaign.
Northampton Town manager Jon Brady.(Image: Ryan Crockett/JMP)
The 50-year-old then secured a mid-table finish in League One with Northampton in the 2023/24 season before resigning with the Cobblers in the bottom four in December 2024.
Rovers are in next in action when they travel to Crewe Alexandra on Friday evening.
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READ MORE: Bristol Rovers next manager rumours as Jon Brady and Matt Bloomfield joint-favourites
