FORMER Middlesbrough defender George Friend has been appointed Director of Football at League One Bristol Rovers after retiring from playing.

TONY WARNER is set to join Bristol Rovers as goalkeeper coach as the club rebuild their staff following a backroom cull by manager Joey Barton.

FORMER Bristol Rovers manager Darrell Clarke says British managers do not get opportunities at the top level because foreign bosses are “put on a massive pedestal”.

TOMMY WIDDRINGTON has been appointed Head of Recruitment at Bristol Rovers, little more than a year after joining Coventry City to become the “cornerstone” of their recruitment process.