We round off our In the Spotlight series on the new teams entering League Two for the 2025–26 season with a closer look at Bristol Rovers, who return to the fourth tier following relegation from League One.
After a challenging campaign last season, the Gas will be determined to regroup and make an immediate push for promotion. Despite a difficult year at the Memorial Stadium, Bristol Rovers boast a strong fanbase, solid infrastructure, and plenty of League Two experience, all of which will serve them well as they look to bounce back.
For Newport County, the fixture will carry extra significance as the two clubs are set to renew their Severnside Derby rivalry - a contest that will be one of the first fixtures both sets of supporters will be looking out for when the fixtures are released.
Here’s everything you need to know about Bristol Rovers ahead of the big kick-off on August 2nd.
A Brief History
Founded in 1883, Bristol Rovers are one of the most historic clubs in the West Country. The club has spent most of its existence in the lower divisions of the English Football League, with several memorable highs along the way, including promotions in 1974, 1990, 2007, 2015, 2016, and a dramatic last-day promotion from League Two in 2022.
Nicknamed The Gas, a nod to their former Eastville Stadium’s proximity to a gasworks, Rovers have long been seen as a gritty, working-class counterpoint to their city rivals, Bristol City. Their fanbase is passionate, vocal, and fiercely loyal, often packing out the Memorial Stadium regardless of division.
Rovers last played in League Two during the 2021–22 season, when they earned automatic promotion in dramatic fashion, overturning a seven-goal deficit on the final day against Scunthorpe United. While their recent relegation will sting, they’ll see this season as an opportunity to regroup, rebuild, and come back stronger.
Who’s the Boss?
Darrell Clarke returns to Bristol Rovers as head coach, signing a three‑year deal ahead of 2025–26 marking a full-circle moment for a club legend.
Clarke first took charge in March 2014, guiding Rovers through back-to-back promotions from the National League in 2015 and then directly into League One in 2016.
Under his leadership, the team transformed with an attacking style, averaging nearly two goals per game, and he quickly became one of The Gas’ most successful and beloved managers in modern history.
Key Players
As Bristol Rovers gear up for a promotion challenge under returning boss Darrell Clarke, several key figures will be central to their hopes of success in League Two.
Taylor Moore brings valuable experience and composure to the Rovers backline. With a career that has taken in spells at Bristol City, Hearts, and Shrewsbury, his leadership and game intelligence could prove vital in a League Two campaign.
Up front, Chris Martin offers proven quality. The veteran striker joined Rovers following spells with Derby County, Bristol City and QPR, and quickly became a reliable focal point in attack. Despite an injury torn campaign last season, Martin will still play a key part in Rovers’ push for promotion.
Meanwhile, Connor Taylor is one of the brightest young prospects in the Rovers squad. The towering centre-back made a name for himself during a previous standout spell at Stoke and impressed again upon his return to The Mem. Already a big influence within the squad, with League One side Peterborough United reportedly showing interest this summer.
The Stadium
The Memorial Stadium has been home to Bristol Rovers since 1996 and it remains one of the more atmospheric and intimidating venues in the lower leagues.
Situated in the Horfield area of Bristol, "The Mem" holds just over 9,700 fans, with vocal support from The Thatchers End known to drive the team on. If Rovers get on a promotion push, expect the Mem to be bouncing all season long.
There are long-term ambitions to redevelop, but for now, the Mem remains a proud and passionate home.
Head-To-Head Record
Newport County and Bristol Rovers have met regularly over the years, with 70 fixtures spanning from the first encounter in 1920 to 2023.
Across this period, Newport County have won on 27 occasions, were as Rovers were victors 26 times, while both teams shared the spoils 17 times.
Last Time Out
The most recent clash between Newport County and Bristol Rovers was in the Football League Trophy group stage back in 2023, where Rovers took the 3 points with a 1-0 win at Rodney Parade.
However, the last league fixture between the two sides reflected the same scoreline, but with The Exiles taking the win with a goal from James Waite back in 2023.
As Newport County get ready for another League Two campaign, we look forward to the next Severnside derby when the fixtures are confirmed on June 26.
Missed our previous spotlights? Check out our features on Barnet, Oldham Athletic, Crawley Town, Cambridge United and Shrewsbury Town.