Stead and Carr Join the Clarke Revolution at Rovers

Bristol Rovers have bolstered their backroom staff with two intriguing appointments, as Jon Stead and Rhys Carr join the Gas as Assistant Head Coaches ahead of the 2025/26 season.

It’s another clear signal of intent as the Darrell Clarke era 2.0 takes shape at The Mem.

As first reported by Vital Gas back at the start of May.

Jon Stead, a name most football fans will recognise from his lengthy playing career, links back up with Clarke after working together at Barnsley. With over 700 professional appearances and a CV that includes spells in the Premier League with Blackburn, Sunderland and Sheffield United, Stead brings a wealth of experience. Since hanging up his boots, he's honed his coaching craft both in the US and more recently at Oakwell, and his arrival adds steel and seniority to Rovers' dugout.

Then there’s Rhys Carr, a familiar face to many at the club. His coaching journey has taken him from Rovers' academy to roles at Wolves, Sheffield United, Coventry, and even onto the international stage with the Republic of Ireland Women’s side. It’s a strong homecoming for a coach who knows what it means to be a Gashead—and one who has steadily built a reputation for developing talent and fostering growth in young players.

Ricky Martin, Rovers' Director of Football, summed up the mood by calling both men “coaches of real quality” and pointing to a summer of hard work behind the scenes.

From the outside looking in, this feels like a cohesive vision being executed with purpose. Clarke has surrounded himself with staff he trusts—people with fresh perspectives and complementary experiences. It's not just about building a team on the pitch anymore, but building a culture, a structure, and a long-term footballing identity.

With pre-season looming, the pieces are falling into place. Now it’s time to see what this new-look coaching team can deliver when the real work begins.

Up The Gas.