David Horseman Leaves

So, David Horseman has left Bristol Rovers after the end of the 2024/25 season. And to be blunt – it’s probably for the best.

Let’s not rewrite history. Horseman arrived last summer with a decent background – sure, he’d managed Southampton’s U21s and had a brief spell at Forest Green – but at Rovers, he never really stamped any authority or identity on the team. He was supposed to be a calming influence, someone to help steady the ship. Instead, he felt like a passenger for most of the ride.

When Matt Taylor went on leave, Horseman had the chance to step up. Same when Taylor was sacked. But did we see any spark, any tactical insight, any leadership? Not really. If anything, the team looked just as lost under his interim stewardship as they did during the worst spells under the managers he supported.

He may be a Bristol lad, but sentiment doesn’t win matches. We needed fight, structure, someone who could rally the squad when things were falling apart. What we got was a coach who blended into the background. And as the club lurched from one mess to another, Horseman was always there – just not in a way that made a difference.

His exit, frankly, feels overdue. This season was a disaster, and while the managers took most of the heat, the coaching staff have to shoulder some of the blame too. So no, this isn’t a bitter goodbye. It’s a clean break. And it gives Rovers a chance to reset – with fresh ideas, stronger personalities, and coaches who can actually push this club forward.

Thanks, but we move on. It’s time for a proper rebuild – and that starts with saying goodbye to what wasn’t working.

UTG – and time for change.