Shaun North Departs Rovers

Lifted from: www.bristolrovers.co.uk

Assistant manager Shaun North has today been told he is not having his contract extended and is free to leave with immediate effect. Having originally joined in 2011 as Paul Buckle's assistant, he enjoyed spells as caretaker manager before reverting back to a deputy role with Mark McGhee. John Ward retained his services after being appointed in December but now wants to take the club in a 'new direction' off the pitch and bring someone new in to the role.

Some may say that North has done well in some difficult situations and was the continuity that the players needed but the harsh reality is he's been a part of two poor summer's of recruitment. He can't come out of the two previous managerial disasters smelling of roses as he contributed to the failures. It seems a natural step to replace him if that's what John Ward feels is best.

The question now is: who will take over? It's way too early for any names to have been bandied about although Andy Tillson was strongly linked with a return when Ward took over in December. He doesn't have any experience of the role though and it may be considered too soon for him to take up the position. Ward indicated on Friday that there are people currently working for the club who would be capable of assuming roles of responsibility, perhaps suggesting Marcus Stewart could step up to the plate. He has made no secret of his desire to move in to the management side at some point and this could be a good opportunity for him to get his foot in the door at a club he is adored at. To add fuel to the fire he is taking up the role for the final game of the season against Torquay United at Plainmoor.