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Manager Darell Clarke has parted company with Bristol Rovers .

The Gas have struggled for form this season and find themselves in the relegation zone, with off-the-field speculation over the club's future not helping things.

Clarke has spoken out about the club's future on a number of occasions this season, culminating in an explosive interview after Saturday's defeat to Doncaster Rovers in which he predicted that the much-promised new stadium and training ground would not be built whilst he was in charge of the club.

The Gas have now taken the decision to part ways with the long-serving manager.

A club statement said: "Darrell Clarke has been a loyal servant of Bristol Rovers Football Club for nearly six years, initially as John Ward’s assistant, then progressing to First Team Manager.

"A role in which he has enjoyed considerable success with promotions from the Conference and from League 2 before consolidating the Club’s position in League 1 over the last two years.

"This season commenced with optimism and high expectations of a challenge for the play off places but results and performances have been disappointing.

"After much soul searching and lengthy deliberations it has been mutually agreed that it is probably in the best interests of the Club and of Darrell Clarke to seek a fresh way forward. Darrell leaves the Club with immediate effect and on amicable terms.

"The Board would like to place on record their sincere thanks to Darrell for the hard work and dedication he has shown to the Club and the positive effect he’s had on players, staff and supporters during his tenure.

"Darrell will remain a friend of the Club and will no doubt achieve further success in his career after a deserved break.

"Everyone at Bristol Rovers wishes him well for the future."