EFL Team Dismisses Manager Shortly Post-Season Due to Disastrous Series of Results
Firing Inigo Calderon After a Tough Season
Less than a day after the conclusion of the season, Bristol Rovers have kicked Inigo Calderon out of his position as head coach. The team plummeted into League Two, a debacle traced back to a dreadful streak of nine losses in their final ten games.
Following a poor run that saw them secure only one point in their final ten games, Bristol Rovers were relegated from League One.
In a statement, the club shared, "Bristol Rovers confirm departures of Inigo Calderon and Miguel Llera, who ended their stints as Men's first-team head coach and assistant, respectively. We thank them for their hard work, dedication, and commitment, wishing them success in their future endeavors."
Calderon also released a statement on social media, expressing gratitude to the fans and reminiscing about unforgettable moments, despite the poor results. "Now more than ever, it's time for unity," he said.
Calderon's tenure saw him win only six of 26 matches, a poor performance that prompted the management's decision.
The Uphill BattleCalderon's final match in charge ended in a 4-1 defeat to Blackpool, marking their ninth loss in nine games that sealed their relegation. Inconsistent goal-scoring and poor away form were key factors leading to their demise.
Their relegation was confirmed on Tuesday after Burton's draw with Wigan. It was his first job as a first-time manager, having previously led Brighton’s under-18s before joining the Gas in December 2025, when the club was 19th. Regrettably, he failed to steer them away from safety.
Onwards and UpwardsRovers will join Shrewsbury, Cambridge, and Crawley in League Two next season. Meanwhile, Birmingham went up to the Championship with a record 111 points, while Wrexham secured second place. Other teams fighting for promotion via the playoffs include Stockport, Charlton, Wycombe, and Leyton Orient.
Despite parting ways with their former coach, Bristol Rovers are already planning for a fresh start with an "extensive and thorough review" underway to address systemic issues[2][4]. They are on the lookout for a new manager to guide them through the rebuilding process. Historically, the club has favored managers with lower-league experience; however, the recent appointment of Calderon, who previously coached Brighton's under-18s, hints at a potential shift toward development-focused candidates[5]. The new coach will be tasked with stablizing defensively and improving the team's attacks to propel them back up the ranks.
- The new manager, chosen to guide Bristol Rovers through the rebuilding process, might follow in Calderon's footsteps by having experience in lower leagues, yet potentially a shift towards development-focused candidates is hinted.
- Regrettably, Inigo Calderon's first job as a first-time manager ended in failure, as he was unable to steer Bristol Rovers away from League Two relegation.
- In boxing terms, the relegation was a knockout punch for Calderon's tenure, sealing his fate after a run of nine losses in his final ten games.
- On the touchline across sports, the 4-1 defeat to Blackpool was the final blow in Calderon's turbulent stint as Bristol Rovers' head coach.
- Calderon's true legacy at Bristol Rovers will be debated, but one fact remains: his tenure saw him win only six of 26 matches, leading to his dismissal following a poor season.
