Darrell Clarke Appointed Assistant Manager

Lifted from: Salisburycity-fc.co.uk

Salisbury City boss Darrell Clarke has been unveiled as Rovers' new assistant manager this morning in time for pre-season training which begins next Thursday. Clarke, 35, leaves Salisbury having brought them two promotions during his 3 years in charge, as well as a spot in the FA Cup third round a couple of years ago. He was preparing to take his charges into the Blue Square Premier but John Ward has selected the up-and-coming 35 year old to become his assistant.

It is by no means an obvious choice and therefore a lot of thought will have gone into choosing Clarke. The fact he has achieved success at non-league level with a small budget suggests he has the credentials to be an inspired appointment. Learning from an experienced boss such as Ward will only prove to be beneficial in his development.

We all knew that whoever was appointed was going to be seen as a long-term replacement for Ward when he retires and Clarke is of the perfect age to ensure there is longevity in the decision. The progress we make over the next couple of years leading into the UWE Stadium will be vitally important and with a man of Clarke's ambition and ideas on board we'll be well equipped to take on the challenges that lie in our way.

John Ward's happy, Darrell Clarke's happy and I'm happy.

Welcome aboard 'Trigger', here's to a successful period in the history of Bristol Rovers.