Andy Mangan: Bristol Rovers 'on the up' despite wait for manager, says interim boss

Bristol Rovers are unbeaten in all competitions since Andy Mangan took over as interim manager a month ago

Bristol Rovers interim boss Andy Mangan said he understands fans will be "frustrated" at the time taken for a permanent manager to be appointed.

Former assistant manager Mangan has been in charge since Joey Barton was sacked on 26 October.

However, the team are unbeaten under his leadership with two wins and two draws in League One and victories in the FA Cup and EFL Trophy.

Rovers visit Derby on Saturday before hosting Leyton Orient on Tuesday.

"I understand the fans are going to be frustrated, it's taking its time," Mangan told BBC Radio Bristol.

"But week by week, as the weeks go on I think performances have got better, performances have increased.

"So many positives, we've got so many players back from injury so the club is really on the up. For myself, [I'm] very proud to be asked to lead the team."

Bristol Rovers have a number of players available for the visit to Pride Park, including Grant Ward and Connor Taylor, while Luca Hoole and Luke McCormick have both been training after injury.

"I've just got to prepare the team as best we can. The staff have been fantastic and the players have been amazing and we've just got to go to Derby and put a performance out that the players first and foremost will be proud of but also the travelling fans," Mangan said.

"Everyone at the club has really rallied round and done fantastic. I think the players need to take an awful lot of credit because it's all about the players at the end of the day."