Rovers to Host Coventry in Pre-Season Clash

There’s something magical about The Mem under the summer sky—and it just got a little more special.

Bristol Rovers have confirmed a pre-season friendly against Championship side Coventry City on Wednesday, July 23rd, with a 7:00 PM kick-off at home. But this isn’t just another warm-up fixture—it marks the homecoming of Darrell Clarke, and Gasheads everywhere will be circling the date.

Clarke’s return as Head Coach has already sparked a wave of nostalgia and cautious optimism. The man who guided us through one of the most unforgettable periods in modern Rovers history—double promotions, dramatic wins, and all—will be back on the touchline where he became a legend.

Coventry City, now managed by Frank Lampard, aren’t just coming down for a friendly stroll either. They finished fifth in the Championship and narrowly missed out on a Wembley trip after a playoff exit to Sunderland. Expect a sharp test.

🗓️ Full Pre-Season Fixture List

Here’s how the Gas will warm up ahead of the 2025/26 campaign:

Friday 4 July – Chippenham Town (A), 7:30 PM, Thornbury Surfacing Stadium

Saturday 12 July – Stockport County (N), 10:30 AM BST, Pinatar Arena, Murcia, Spain

Wednesday 16 July – Bath City (A), 7:00 PM, Twerton Park

Saturday 19 July – Yeovil Town (A), 3:00 PM, Huish Park

Wednesday 23 July – Coventry City (H), 7:00 PM, The Memorial Stadium

The fixture against Yeovil Town will also serve as a tribute to Marcus Stewart, who played for both clubs and served as Assistant Manager at Rovers between 2013 and 2018.

Ticket information for these fixtures will be released in due course. Fans are encouraged to stay updated through the official Bristol Rovers website and social media channels.

This one’s not just about getting minutes in the legs—it’s about setting the tone. And maybe, just maybe, healing some of the bruises from last season with a night that reminds us what this club can be.