Former Ipswich Town striker Jon Stead has departed his role as assistant head coach at League Two side Bristol Rovers.
The 42 year old leaves the Memorial Stadium following the dismissal of manager Darrell Clarke, which came after a heavy 3 0 home defeat to Swindon Town in the M4 derby. That loss marked a tenth straight league defeat for the Gas, setting an unwanted club record and leaving them inside the relegation places.
Bristol Rovers confirmed that both Clarke and Stead had been relieved of their duties in an official statement released on December 13.
Clarke’s exit means the club are now searching for a fifth permanent manager in a little over two years since the AlSaeed family completed a takeover.
Stead had returned to work alongside Clarke in the summer, having previously formed part of his coaching staff at Barnsley. Since retiring from playing in 2021, Stead has gained coaching experience in the United States with Hartford Athletic and Tampa Bay Rowdies, before joining the Tykes in 2023.
As a player, Stead joined Ipswich Town in 2008, initially on loan from Sheffield United before completing a permanent move for a reported £600,000. He went on to score 20 goals in 67 appearances for the Blues before leaving for Bristol City in the summer of 2010.