Bristol Rovers have confirmed the appointment of Inigo Calderon as their new head coach on a two-and-a-half-year deal 10 days after confirming the sacking of Matt Taylor.
Rovers have hired the 42-year-old from Brighton and Hove Albion where he had been manager of the Under-18s since June 2023 and also enjoyed six years as a player between 2010 and 2016. Bristol Live understands that the Gas have paid a small compensation fee to the Seagulls.
Calderon has also worked as a coach at Spanish outfit Deportivo Alaves but this will be his first senior role.
In the club's official statment, director of football George Friend said: "I am delighted to welcome Inigo to the club and have him on board as our new head coach. Inigo is someone I have followed for a long time, both as a player and as a coach, and he already has a thorough understanding of English football and the culture of the game here.
"Inigo is an excellent coach and what has become obviously clear from our conversations is that he is full of the character, ambition and enthusiasm to not only be the best head coach he can, but to help drive [Bristol Rovers](https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/all-about/bristol-rovers-fc) to success too.
"We are all excited for what Inigo will bring to our squad, our staff, and our supporters."
Rovers are currently 19th in League One and just three points clear of the relegation zone but did pick up a solid point in their last outing, a 1-1 draw at home to Wrexham on Saturday.
Interim manager Dave Horseman will lead the team once again when they face Exeter City this afternoon with Calderon set to be in the stands at St James Park watching on. The Spaniard will then begin work on Friday ahead of taking charge of his first game away at Stevenage on December 29.
The Gas then host Leyton Orient on New Year's Day and travel to Cambridge United on January 4 followed by an [FA Cup](https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/all-about/fa-cup) third round clash at Premier League side Ipswich Town on January 12.
Rovers have also confirmed that former first-team coach Kevin Bond will be returning to the club for a third spell having left in the summer after being initially brought in by then-interim boss Andy Mangan to assist him before Matt Taylor opted to keep the former Tottenham, Newcastle United and Southampton coach on board.
Bond had also worked under Joey Barton when the Gas secured promotion from League Two in the 2021/22 campaign.
Rovers have also confirmed that Lee Cattermole has left the club.