John Ward: Bristol Rovers boss commits to new contract

John Ward has signed a new one-year rolling contract to remain as manager at League Two side Bristol Rovers.

The 62-year-old returned to the Memorial Stadium for a second spell as boss in December, following the sacking of Mark McGhee.

Rovers were second from bottom in League Two when Ward took over, but 41 points from 22 games has secured their Football League status for next season.

They now sit 13th in the table, six points adrift of the play-off places.

Ward told BBC Radio Bristol: "Originally I came in and said I'd just try and help and then over the past few weeks the chairman has spoken about staying on.

"I've been umming and arring about it because I wanted to make sure we were in a good position.

"I've got the enthusiasm back. It gets in your blood a little bit and it's something I want to continue."

Ward, a former Lincoln forward, began his managerial career at York City in 1991.

He previously managed Rovers between 1993 and 1996, leading the club to the Southern Final of the Auto Windscreen Shield and the Division Two play-off final.

Ward went on to have spells at arch-rivals Bristol City, Wolves, Cheltenham Town, Carlisle and Colchester.

He was dismissed by the U's in September 2012 after failing to record a win in nine League One games.

Ward was offered a director of football role at Plymouth Argyle days before McGhee's sacking, but turned down their advances in order to return to the Memorial Stadium.

Chairman Nick Higgs added: "He has done a fantastic job over the last four months, completely changing our fortunes and helping to retain our league status.

"We were in a terrible place when he took over before the turn of the year, and he has transformed the players and the spirit at the club.

"John understands what Bristol Rovers is all about, and that is why I wanted him to be the man to take us forward."