Jon Stead Set To Join Rovers As Assistant To Clarke

For those raising an eyebrow over his past at Bristol City—don’t. That was a chapter long closed. What matters now is what he brings to the blue and white side of the city: tactical acumen, international coaching experience, and a reputation for being a steady hand with a sharp footballing brain.

He’s coached in the States, helped steady the ship at Barnsley, and now he’s set to bring that experience to the Mem. It’s the kind of appointment that shows we mean business. Rovers aren’t just making up the numbers—we’re building something serious.

Coaching Journey - From Player to Mentor

Stead’s coaching journey began shortly after he retired as a player in 2021. Instead of fading into the background, Stead decided to remain in football, eager to pass on his wealth of knowledge and experience to the next generation.

Hartford Athletic & Tampa Bay Rowdies: Stead started his coaching career in the United States, where he served as an assistant manager for both Hartford Athletic and Tampa Bay Rowdies. This role allowed him to learn the intricacies of coaching at a professional level, adapting to a new football culture and gaining valuable international experience.

Barnsley FC (2023): His next step brought him back to England, where he joined Barnsley FC as an assistant manager. During his time there, Stead worked alongside head coach Michael Duff, further honing his tactical acumen and leadership abilities. His time at Barnsley was pivotal in cementing his reputation as a promising coaching talent, ready for a bigger challenge

Stead's playing career spanned over two decades, with notable stints at Huddersfield Town, Blackburn Rovers, Sunderland, Sheffield United, Ipswich Town, and Bristol City. He also earned 11 caps for the England U21 team. After retiring from professional football in 2021, Stead transitioned into coaching, serving as an assistant manager at Hartford Athletic and Tampa Bay Rowdies in the United States before returning to England to join Barnsley in 2023 .