Bristol Rovers can confirm that George Friend is to depart his position as Director Of Football.
Ricky Martin, former Technical Director at Sky Bet Championship sides Stoke City and Norwich City and Academy Manager at West Ham United, will replace Friend in the role at The Memorial Stadium.
Martin begins work with Rovers immediately while Friend, who has served as Director Of Football since February 2024, will remain with the Club until the end of the 2024/25 season to ensure a smooth transition of football operations.
Friend said: “After careful consideration, I have decided to step down from my role as Director of Football at the end of the season.
“I am proud of the improvements we have achieved together in developing the Club’s staffing infrastructure, alongside a sustainable and exciting game model, while the plans for upgraded training ground and stadium facilities promise to further elevate Bristol Rovers in the years to come.
“The Club has a strong foundation with an excellent Head Coach in Iñigo Calderón, a core group of talented players and promising, young, homegrown talent who have been firmly integrated into the first-team environment.
“I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the Board, the staff, the players, and our fans for their support during my time as Director Of Football. I look forward to seeing how the Club continues to develop and I wish Ricky every success when he takes over the role following a handover period.
“Thank you once again to everyone who has been a part of this journey. Up The Gas!”
Incoming Director Of Football Martin brings vast experience at both an operational and strategic level to the position.
A sixteen-year career with Norwich City saw Martin work his way through the Club’s structure to the Technical Director position, before taking a new challenge with Premier League side West Ham United.
As Academy Manager in east London, Martin oversaw a period of resounding success as 17 developing youngsters earned West Ham United first-team debuts.
Most recently, Martin has served as Technical Director with Championship side Stoke City, designing and implementing a strategy to give the Potters a stable, long-term foundation for continued growth.
Martin said: “It is a privilege to join Bristol Rovers as Director Of Football. This Club has so much potential and the work done so far by the Chairman, the Board, George and the wider team has established a stable platform for us to build on moving forward.
“It’s an exciting time to be joining Rovers. The first-team playing squad includes many young, exciting players who are still growing to reach their full potential, while the impressive work done by the Academy has allowed players like Jed Ward and Kofi Shaw to step into and thrive in that environment.
“The plans for development and growth on both the football and the operational sides of the Club are also impressive, and I hope my skill set can be of help and benefit to Bristol Rovers as we strive to take this Club to the next level and beyond.
"Of course, immediate attention is on the final few weeks of the season and, with seven games left to play, our collective focus must be to pick up as many points as possible and steer ourselves up the League One table.
“I am looking forward to working closely with everyone at the Club, particularly with George as we complete a full and detailed handover in the coming weeks.”
Bristol Rovers Chairman Hussain AlSaeed said: "I would like to thank George for all his hard work, commitment and passion during his time as Director Of Football. George has overseen a period of significant growth in our football operation at Bristol Rovers and we are sincerely grateful for his efforts.
"George will remain with the Club until the end of the season and provide a full, comprehensive handover to Ricky Martin, who I am delighted to welcome to Bristol Rovers as our incoming Director Of Football.
"Ricky brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the role, and has built an impressive reputation across English football in a career that has spanned more than two decades. I am looking forward to working closely with him moving forward as we continue our journey of progression and development at Bristol Rovers."
