Portsmouth rivals Bristol Rovers replace sacked manager with former highly-fancied candidate for top job at Fratton Park

Pompey’s League One rivals, Bristol Rovers, have appointed Paul Tisdale as their new manager.
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The former Exeter boss, who was interviewed for the vacant manager's job at Fratton Park in December 2013, has signed a two-year deal at the Memorial Stadium.

The 47-year-old replaces Ben Garner, who was sacked by Rovers following last weekend’s 4-1 defeat by Fleetwood.

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Tisdale spent 12 years in charge of Exeter and was the longest-serving manager in English football’s top four divisions when he left in 2018.

He later took over at MK Dons, leading the club to promotion from League Two.

Gas Chief executive Martyn Starnes said he was delighted Tisdale was now beginning a new chapter with the club.

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Starnes said: ‘We are delighted to welcome Paul to the football club.

Paul Tisdale was interviewed for the Pompey manager's job in December 2013Paul Tisdale was interviewed for the Pompey manager's job in December 2013
Paul Tisdale was interviewed for the Pompey manager's job in December 2013

‘Paul has a vast amount of experience in the game and has several promotions on his CV.

‘His ambition and long-term goals mirror that of the club’s ongoing strategy, to build a Bristol Rovers DNA.

‘His track record of developing younger players is impressive and we believe he’s the ideal person to maximise the full potential that the playing squad possesses.

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‘We look forward to working closely with Paul to bring success to Bristol Rovers FC.’

Tisdale lost out to Richie Barker to become Pompey’s manager in 2013.

He emerged as one of the front-runners to replaced Guy Whittingham in the Blues hot seat and met with the club’s board at a hotel in Newbury.

Steve Coppell, Chris Wilder, Steve Claridge and David Connolly were also interviewed, with the club then in League Two, but a decision to go with Barker was made.

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The former Crawley manager was sacked in March 2014, with only four wins from 20 games played.

He was subsequently replaced by Andy Awford.

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