"This club is giant" - Inigo Calderon breaks silence after Bristol Rovers sacking | OneFootball

Inigo Calderon wrote a heartfelt message on his Instagram page to Bristol Rovers fans following his sacking.

It was announced on Sunday that Bristol Rovers had sacked their manager, Inigo Calderon, after dropping into League Two for the 2025/26 season.

The former Brighton and Hove Albion defender was appointed as Matt Taylor's successor on Boxing Day 2024, but lasted less than six months at the Memorial Stadium, as he failed to keep the club in League One.

Calderon won just six of his 26 matches in charge of the Gas, with his final match in charge being a 4-1 embarrassment against Blackpool, as Bristol Rovers went out of the third tier with a wimper.

Disappointingly, the South West outfit were nine points clear of the drop zone in March after back-to-back wins over Huddersfield Town and Bolton Wanderers. But eight defeats in their next nine dropped them into the relegation zone, where they would remain.

Inigo Calderon sends message to Bristol Rovers fans after sacking

Despite the torrid end to the season, the 43-year-old always remained a popular man during his time with the Pirates. After the news of his departure, supporters spoke of his personality, but recongised that the run they went on, scoring one point out of a possible 30, wasn't good enough.

Following his dismissal from Rovers, Calderon sent a heartfelt message to the supporters on his Instagram page. The Spaniard posted a photo of him applauding the fans with the following words inscribed on it: "This is my time as Bristol Rovers manager.

"It has been a true honour and pleasure to be a part of this great club. Obviously, without the results I would have liked and this club deserves, but still the pride and clear conscience of having tried everything possible to achieve the best.

"Boxing Day at Exeter, the first home game on New Year's Day, my family celebrating from the stands, the first win at Cambridge, the unconditional support at away games, and especially the games played at the Mem are unforgettable moments I'll always remember," Calderon continued.

"I've always said that this club is made great by the fans and the people who work behind the scenes, and this club is giant. It's time for unity. I can only reiterate my gratitude to the entire Gasheads family, fans, players, staff, board, now more than ever.

"Up the Gas!" The Spaniard signed off with.

Next Bristol Rovers managerial appointment is crucial - League Two promotion will be expected instantly

The sentiment on social media after the news broke of Calderon's departure was one of frustration. Many supporters were quick to highlight that the 43-year-old was the third manager in 18 months to not have worked out as planned.

Joey Barton took the Gas back into League One a few years prior, before he was sacked as they struggled in the third tier. Then Taylor, who'd been a success down the road with Exeter, also failed to live up to expectations and was sacked due to poor league position.

The appointment of Calderon was an ambitious one, but he sadly wasn't the right man for the job either, as he ended up lasting just six months into a two-and-a-half-year contract. This is a story that has become all too familiar at the Memorial Stadium.

Bristol Rovers have visions of Championship football, but they must walk before they can run. It's key they get this next appointment right and take their time selecting the right candidate for the long-term vision the club has.

Whoever succeeds Calderon, all supporters will be hoping they don't add their name to the merry-go-round of managers at the Bristolian club in the last two seasons.