Darrell Clarke
- Date Joined: 18th December 2020
I am a forward-thinking and highly ambitious UEFA Pro Licence qualified Manager who made the seamless transition into the managerial arena following an 18-year professional playing career of 482 appearances.
A dedicated and driven professional, I have contributed to tangible on-field success, including four promotions, despite operating on a limited budget through forging an unbreakable bond and team ethic at clubs.
I led from the front as a player and continues to do so as a Manager, I possess a proven track record in player development and talent identification and I have demonstrated the capacity to lead across all areas of training, match days and analysis.
Testimonial:
“I knew Darrell Clarke for four years whilst he was employed in the role as First Team Manager at Bristol Rovers Football Club. During his time at the club, he achieved two promotions and is arguably the most successful manager in the club’s history. We have an excellent relationship with Darrell and would recommend him for any position within the game.” - Wael Al Quadi: Owner, Bristol Rovers FC
Key Transfers: Recorded a net profit in transfer fees at clubs managed, while contributing to tangible on-field success.
▪ Matt Taylor: Bristol Rovers FC to Bristol City FC
▪ Billy Bodin: Bristol Rovers FC to Preston North End FC
▪ Ellis Harrison: Bristol Rovers FC to Ipswich Town FC
▪ Matt Tubbs: Salisbury City FC to AFC Bournemouth
▪ George Dobson: Walsall FC to Sunderland AFC
Player Development: Have handed first team debuts to 16 players from Academy systems at Bristol Rovers FC and Walsall FC.
▪ Jake Clarke-Salter: Developed at Bristol Rovers FC after joining on loan from Chelsea FC.
England U21 international
▪ Oli McBurnie: Striker developed at Bristol Rovers FC after loan move from Swansea City AFC. Full
Scotland international
▪ Connor Roberts: Developed at Bristol Rovers FC after joining on loan from Swansea City AFC.
Full Wales international
▪ Tom Lockyer: Played over 200 games at Bristol Rovers FC, having broken into the side as a
teenager. Full Wales international
Media Experience:
▪ Have contributed to Sky Sports, BT Sport and EFL Quest as a pundit
▪ Sky Sports and BT Sport live match analyst for EFL fixtures and Play-Off Finals
▪ Provide insight on EFL Championship, League One and League Two highlights programme
▪ Conducted interviews with national newspapers and broadcast media
A dedicated and driven professional, I have contributed to tangible on-field success, including four promotions, despite operating on a limited budget through forging an unbreakable bond and team ethic at clubs.
I led from the front as a player and continues to do so as a Manager, I possess a proven track record in player development and talent identification and I have demonstrated the capacity to lead across all areas of training, match days and analysis.
Testimonial:
“I knew Darrell Clarke for four years whilst he was employed in the role as First Team Manager at Bristol Rovers Football Club. During his time at the club, he achieved two promotions and is arguably the most successful manager in the club’s history. We have an excellent relationship with Darrell and would recommend him for any position within the game.” - Wael Al Quadi: Owner, Bristol Rovers FC
Key Transfers: Recorded a net profit in transfer fees at clubs managed, while contributing to tangible on-field success.
▪ Matt Taylor: Bristol Rovers FC to Bristol City FC
▪ Billy Bodin: Bristol Rovers FC to Preston North End FC
▪ Ellis Harrison: Bristol Rovers FC to Ipswich Town FC
▪ Matt Tubbs: Salisbury City FC to AFC Bournemouth
▪ George Dobson: Walsall FC to Sunderland AFC
Player Development: Have handed first team debuts to 16 players from Academy systems at Bristol Rovers FC and Walsall FC.
▪ Jake Clarke-Salter: Developed at Bristol Rovers FC after joining on loan from Chelsea FC.
England U21 international
▪ Oli McBurnie: Striker developed at Bristol Rovers FC after loan move from Swansea City AFC. Full
Scotland international
▪ Connor Roberts: Developed at Bristol Rovers FC after joining on loan from Swansea City AFC.
Full Wales international
▪ Tom Lockyer: Played over 200 games at Bristol Rovers FC, having broken into the side as a
teenager. Full Wales international
Media Experience:
▪ Have contributed to Sky Sports, BT Sport and EFL Quest as a pundit
▪ Sky Sports and BT Sport live match analyst for EFL fixtures and Play-Off Finals
▪ Provide insight on EFL Championship, League One and League Two highlights programme
▪ Conducted interviews with national newspapers and broadcast media
Qualifications/Accreditation
Professional Footballers Association
Member
2020
LMA
Member
2020
UEFA
Pro Licence
2020UEFA
A Licence
2018UEFA
B Licence
2016
Career History
Walsall FC
Manager & Head of the Football Department
2019 – Present
Bristol Rovers FC
Manager
2014 – 2018Bristol Rovers FC
Assistant Manager
2013 – 2014
Salisbury City FC
Manager
2010 – 2013Salisbury City FC
Caretaker Manager
2010 – 2010Salisbury City FC
Player
2007 – 2013
Rochdale AFC
Player
2006 – 2006
Stockport County FC
Player
2005 – 2005
Port Vale FC
Player
2005 – 2005
Hartlepool United FC
Player
2001 – 2007
Mansfield Town FC
Player
1995 – 2001
Key Achievements
- At Walsall FC achieved 2019/20 12th place in EFL League Two, nine points outside Play-Offs, prior to season prematurely ending due to Covid-19
- At Walsall FC, oversaw a complete overhaul of playing squad, following 23 players released and dismantling of development squad
- Bristol Rovers FC Managerial Record: Played 246, Won 104, Drew 56, Loss 86. Win % 42.3
- At Bristol Rovers FC, attained highest points total within English Football League; 242 points after 138 games, over three seasons
- Salisbury City FC Managerial Record: Played 157, Won 84, Drew 35, Loss 38. Win % 53.5
- At Salisbury City FC, appointed Player/Manager at 32-years-old following double demotion for financial irregularities to the Southern League Premier Division
- Have contributed to Sky Sports, BT Sport and EFL Quest as a pundit
