anager linked to Oldham Athletic gets new job

Darrell Clarke had been among the bookmakers’ favourites to succeed David Unsworth at Boundary Park, but has tonight been appointed the new boss of Cheltenham Town.

Cheltenham parted company with Wade Elliott on September 21 after winless, and goalless, start to the League One season.

And they have been swift to act, with former Port Vale boss Clarke signing a two-year deal with the Robins.

A club statement read: “Cheltenham Town are thrilled to announce that Darrell Clarke has been appointed first team manager.

“The 45-year-old, who was most recently in charge at Port Vale, becomes the club’s 12th permanent Football League manager, following the departure of Wade Elliott last week.

“The new Robins boss has signed a two-year-deal at the Completely-Suzuki Stadium.

“Darrell enjoyed an 18-year playing career as a midfielder with the likes of Mansfield Town, Hartlepool United and Salisbury City before moving into management at the Wiltshire outfit.

“As player-manger he won two promotions in three years and made history by guiding the club into the FA Cup Third Round for the first time in their history with victory against Grimsby Town.

“Another successful spell followed this time with Bristol Rovers. Clarke spent four and a half years at the Memorial Stadium, this time winning back-to-back promotions.

“He then took over at Walsall before moving to Vale Park, where he won a fifth promotion of his managerial career via the League Two play-offs at the end of the 2021/22 campaign.

“Darrell will be at Sincil Bank tomorrow, watching his new side from the stands before taking charge of his first game against Fleetwood Town on Tuesday evening.”