Bristol Rovers told to target ex-Notts County boss if Steve Evans departs | OneFootball

If Steve Evans does get poached by Hibernian, FLW's Bristol Rovers fan pundit would like to bring Stuart Maynard to the Memorial Ground

Bristol Rovers were stunned in midweek after it was reported that Scottish Premiership side Hibernian were interested in bringing in their head coach, Steve Evans.

The Easter Road-based outfit are looking for a new boss for the first time in over two years after dismissing David Gray following a run of just two wins in six to open the new SPL campaign.

Evans has transformed Bristol Rovers in the nine months he's been at the helm, coming in after Darrell Clarke was sacked after a run of 10 straight league defeats. The ex-Rotherham United boss led the Gas to 10 wins in their last 12 games last season, and began this season strong, too.

But after the rumour mill began to churn, linking him to a move to the Scottish side, the Gas slumped to their second straight defeat without scoring away at Gillingham.

FLW's Bristol Rovers fan pundit highlights Stuart Maynard as the number one option if Steve Evans departs

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After the defeat at Gillingham on Saturday, Evans relayed his commitment to Bristol Rovers, much to the joy of Gas fans who believe he's the man to bring them back to League One.

If he were persuaded to manage in his native country for the first time in his lengthy dugout career, though, FLW's Rovers fan pundit, Ziggy Carter, wouldn't mind Stuart Maynard taking the reins at the Memorial Ground.

Maynard is currently out of work after he was somewhat unceremoniously sacked from York City following their 108-point title-winning campaign in the National League last year. That came one year after he was dismissed by Notts County following a loss in the League Two play-off semi-final.

"I think Stuart Maynard would be a good option," Carter said. "He was quite unfairly sacked by York after hitting club-record points tallies.

"He knows League Two because he's been here before with Notts County, where I feel he was unfairly sacked, too, after losing in the play-offs.

"I think, out of most managers, Maynard would be at the top of my list."

Bristol Rovers hopefully won't need to worry about replacing Steve Evans anytime soon

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With Bristol Rovers one of the traditional "bigger" clubs in League Two, given their fanbase and recent third-tier history, there's a lot of potential at the Memorial Ground for success.

Evidently, Steve Evans sees that and realises that the project he signed up for is still far from complete, given his interview after the Gillingham game.

"I'm humbled to be linked to a job like that because if you're a Scotsman you know how big a football club that is, but I'm not going anywhere," he said. "I've come here to deliver on a project - it doesn't feel like that driving home this evening - but my commitment is to this football club."

Evans did admit that the chance to manage Celtic, who he is a lifelong fan of, would sway him away from the Memorial Ground, but despite pressure building on Hoops boss Martin O'Neill after their loss in the Old Firm derby on Sunday, the 63-year-old doesn't think that opportunity will arise anytime soon.

So, it seems that Bristol Rovers fans have nothing to fear just yet, and the focus is on getting back to winning ways at home against Exeter City on Saturday.

Stuart Maynard still deserves a chance in a League Two dugout sooner rather than later

Soccer Football - League Two Play-Off Semi Final - Second Leg - AFC Wimbledon v Notts County - Cherry Red Records Stadium, London, Britain - May 17, 2025 Notts County manager Stuart Maynard looks dejected after the match Action Images/Peter Cziborra EDITORIAL USE ONLY. NO USE WITH UNAUTHORIZED AUDIO, VIDEO, DATA, FIXTURE LISTS, CLUB/LEAGUE LOGOS OR 'LIVE' SERVICES. ONLINE IN-MATCH USE LIMITED TO 120 IMAGES, NO VIDEO EMULATION. NO USE IN BETTING, GAMES OR SINGLE CLUB/LEAGUE

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That being said, it shouldn't be long before Maynard is back in a dugout in the EFL, something many feel he's deserved after the feat he achieved last year at York.

The reaction amongst Notts County fans after his sacking in May 2025 was that it was the right call, even if, from the outside, it seemed unjust. The Magpies' promotion last year vindicated that, and in a way, York are coping well without Maynard, too.

But that's not an indictment of the 45-year-old, and you get the feeling that, once he lands a new role, he'll be out to prove that he can be a top coach in League Two.

It likely won't be at Bristol Rovers, but whichever fourth-tier side ends up with a managerial casualty first, Maynard will likely be the first choice for them to bring in.