Next Bristol Rovers manager: Ex-Birmingham City and Derby County boss favourite

Two-time Birmingham City manager Gary Rowett is currently leading the way in the bookies’ shortlist for the next manager of Bristol Rovers.

The West Country outfit parted ways with Matt Taylor on Monday following a 2-0 defeat to Blues at the weekend. The result left Rovers 20th in League One and just two points above the relegation zone.

Rowett was last in management when he returned to St Andrew’s in March to take interim charge. He oversaw eight games, winning three matches, but couldn’t prevent Birmingham from being relegated from the Championship.

In his 12-year managerial career, Rowett hasn't managed in the third tier. He went from managing Burton Albion in League Two to getting the Birmingham job in the Championship, and since then he's held posts at Derby County, Stoke City, and Millwall.

For the time being, Rowett has been appearing on Soccer Saturday and Soccer Special where he provides updates on live games, offering an analysis of the matches from a former manager’s perspective.

As for the other contenders, Des Buckingham who was only relieved of his duties as Oxford United manager on Sunday is second favourite. Lee Cattermole who joined Rovers last week as first-team coach is interim manager along with David Horseman and is third favourite. Steven Schumacher and former Blackpool manager Michael Appleton are also in the top five.

One person who is unlikely to take on the post is Mark Robins. Bristol Post journalist Dan Hargraves said anyone suggesting the ex-Coventry City boss would be ‘wasting their time’.

Next Bristol Rovers manager

The full list of favourites, as per BettingOdds.com

Gary Rowett - 2/1

Des Buckingham - 6/1

Lee Cattermole - 6/1

Steven Schumacher - 12/1

Michael Appleton - 12/1

Ryan Lowe - 14/1

Mark Robins - 14/1

Lee Johnson - 14/1

Leam Richardson - 14/1

Mat Sadler - 16/1

Matt Gray - 20/1

Robbie Savage - 20/1