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Bristol Rovers appoint ex-Brighton defender as new boss

Calderón will be supported by David Horseman and the returning Kevin Bond.

Bristol Rovers have appointed former Brighton & Hove Albion defender Iñigo Calderón as their manager- in a two and a half year deal.

The club revealed the new men's first team head coach on Boxing Day (26 December)- the day the Rovers take on Exeter City at St James' Park.

The deal comes ten days after the sacking of former boss Matt Taylor

The Gas are 19th in the League One table and three points above the relegation zone. They've won just six league games this season.

Calderón, 42, will start his work with the squad at the quarters training facility on Friday 27 December.

He joins after a spell managing Brighton & Hove Albion's U18s team. He previously worked as a coach with Deportivo Alavés.

Prior to coaching, Calderón was a successful player. His career included six years in the EFL Championship and League One with Brighton & Hove Albion, a period in which he played over 200 games.

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He also spent two seasons with Alavés in the Segunda División and a year in each the Cypriot First Division and the Indian Super League respectively.

Welcoming Calderón to Bristol Rovers, Director Of Football George Friend said: "I am delighted to welcome Iñigo to the Club and have him on board as our new Head Coach.

"Iñigo 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.

"Iñigo 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 to success too.

"We are all excited for what Iñigo will bring to our squad, our staff, and our supporters.

"Calderón will be supported in the men's first-team coaching department by David Horseman and the returning Kevin Bond.

"Lee Cattermole has also departed the Club. Everyone at Bristol Rovers would like to welcome Iñigo to the Club and wish him every success at The Memorial Stadium."

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