Pirates appoint Martin as new director of football

Ricky Martin joins Bristol Rovers having been in a similar role at Stoke City

Former Stoke City technical director Ricky Martin will take over as Bristol Rovers' director of football in the summer.

He will replace George Friend, who will step down at the end of the season having been in the role since February 2024.

Martin was sacked at Stoke that same month after just over a year in the job and replaced by former Potters striker Jonathan Walters.

He will join the club immediately but Friend will also remain at Rovers until the end of the season to "ensure a smooth transition".

"I am proud of the improvements we have achieved together in developing the club's staffing infrastructure, alongside a sustainable and exciting game model, while the plans for upgraded training ground and stadium facilities promise to further elevate Bristol Rovers in the years to come," Friend told the club website.

"The club has a strong foundation with an excellent head coach in Inigo Calderon, a core group of talented players and promising, young, homegrown talent who have been firmly integrated into the first-team environment," added the former Rovers defender who also had spells at Middlesbrough, Birmingham City and Exeter City.

George Friend ended his playing career to become director of football at Bristol Rovers

Martin had a 16-year career as a coach at Norwich City before leaving to become West Ham United's academy manager and then joining Stoke City.

Rovers are currently one place and six points above the League One relegation places, although Burton Albion, who are directly below them, have a game in hand.

The club sacked manager Matt Taylor shortly before Christmas and replaced him with Spaniard Calderon, who has won six and lost 11 of his 19 games in charge but has been unable to improve the club's league position.

"It's an exciting time to be joining Rovers," Martin said.

"The first-team playing squad includes many young, exciting players who are still growing to reach their full potential, while the impressive work done by the academy has allowed players like Jed Ward and Kofi Shaw to step into and thrive in that environment.

"The plans for development and growth on both the football and the operational sides of the club are also impressive, and I hope my skill set can be of help and benefit to Bristol Rovers as we strive to take this club to the next level and beyond."