Bristol Rovers have confirmed that coach Kevin Bond has left the club after 14 months as part of Joey Barton’s backroom staff.
Bond has been notably absent from the dugout for the last month, and hasn't been seen at The Quarters either, with Barton bringing in another assistant coach over the summer in Danny Ventre, to work alongside the manager and No2 Andy Mangan.
On Sunday morning, Rovers released a joint-statement from Bond and Barton, with two first working together at QPR 10 years ago, indicating the decision has been a mutual one.
Bond enjoyed a 18-year professional playing career with Norwich City, Manchester City, Southampton and Bournemouth, before working for many years on Harry Redknapp’s staff at Portsmouth and Tottenham and under Glenn Roeder at Newcastle United, while also taking the managerial reins at Bournemouth for two years. In his statement, he declared last season as, “the most amazing year I’ve experienced in football”.
"Last season was probably the most amazing year I’ve experienced in football,” Bond said. “To move from where we were at Christmas to promotion on the last day of the season was truly remarkable. I thought I’d seen most things in football but watching that seventh goal go in will stay with me forever.
“Now is the right time for me to leave. I would like to thank everyone connected with the club; Wael, a fantastic man at the helm, Joey, the staff, the players and our brilliant supporters for making my time here so memorable."
Bond joined Barton’s staff at the start of last season following the departure of long-time ally Clint Hill, and proved a wise head in what was, and still is, a relatively young coaching group under Barton.
“Kev joined us at a difficult time early last season, when we needed it and has been superb for us as we built our team up on and off the pitch over the past year,” Barton said. “I’d like to thank him for all of his efforts during his time with the club and we wish him all the best for the future.”
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