Bristol Rovers manager Graham Coughlan has admitted he could quit the Gas tomorrow after their stunning triumph over Ipswich Town on Saturday. The Gas won 2-1 at Portman Road thanks to a brilliant away performance which lifted Coughlan's team to fourth in League One, but after the game he revealed his time in charge could be over.
Before the game the Dubliner, without being specifically questioned on the matter, said he needs support in the January transfer window, and he conceded afterwards he does not know how far he can take the club without investment and he has "a decision to make". "I need to go home and see my wife and kids this evening and spend some time with them," Coughlan said, with his family based in Sheffield. "I've got a decision to make in my own life and my own career and where I'm going. I'm going to make that decision tonight when I go home. I don't know where I can take this football club. I'm going to spend this evening with my wife and kids and see which way I wake up in the morning."
Coughlan, who was involved in animated celebrations in front of the travelling Gasheads at full-time, said a mix of personal and professional reasons were behind his doubts.
Rovers were without a trio of senior players – Jonson Clarke-Harris, Abu Ogogo and Mark Little – at Portman Road, and had six academy graduates in the matchday squad as their depth was pushed to the limit. Coughlan believes Rovers, "can be a Championship club", effectively giving the club's owners an ultimatum that he needs more resources. Since replacing Darrell Clarke 12 months ago this weekend, Coughlan has won 25 of 56 games and over two transfer windows has not spent a single pound in reshaping the Gas squad. "How far can we go with the club? How far can we take it? I don't know, I'm emotional at the minute. I'd like to get away from Portman Road this evening and have some time with my wife and kids," he added. "The opportunity and change is there for the football club to push on. Let's see where it goes and see what happens. Look at that fanbase. Look at the players we've got. This is a massive club. This club could potentially be a championship club. That's the frustrating part.
Coughlan has been in charge for a year, overseeing a remarkable turnaround of Rovers' fortunes as at this stage in 2018 they were 23rd having taken 17 points from 22 games. "I haven't achieved it," he said. "The players have achieved it and the credit goes to the players and the fans for their support. I only oversee things, put a few cones down in the week and give them a couple of instructions and encourage them. It's down to the players."
https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/sport/foo ... an-3644915
by BH_Stag » Sat Dec 14, 2019 8:04 pm 
