Bristol Rovers have returned to England after a productive warm-weather training camp in Spain. Under new head coach Darrell Clarke, the team trained at Pinatar Arena in Murcia from July 6 to July 13 to prepare for the upcoming 2025/26 Sky Bet League Two season. The club also announced two new signings: Luke Southwood from Bolton Wanderers and Ryan Howley from Coventry City. The camp featured twice-daily training as well as team bonding events like bingo and quiz nights. Rovers finished their tour with a pre-season fixture against Stockport County, where they came back from two goals down before ultimately losing late in the match. The Pirates have four more pre-season fixtures ahead, including trips to Bath City and Yeovil Town, and home games against Coventry City and Oxford United.[1]
After being relegated from League One, Bristol Rovers are gearing up for life back in League Two. Fans are hopeful for a quick return to the third tier under returning manager Darrell Clarke, who previously guided the club to promotion in 2015/16. The new season opens with a home match against Harrogate Town, followed by fixtures with Fleetwood Town, Chesterfield, and Oldham Athletic. The Gas are considered promotion contenders but will have significant competition in the league.[2]
To engage supporters, the club has announced an open training session at The Memorial Stadium on July 25, 2025. Fans can attend for free by reserving tickets and will have the opportunity to meet players after training finishes at around 12:30pm. The day is intended to kick off the summer holidays and offer a behind-the-scenes look at Darrell Clarke’s preparations for the season.[3]
In women’s football, Bristol Rovers Women begin their 2025/26 National League South West campaign at the Memorial Stadium against newly promoted Ascot United on August 17. Further fixtures include Bridgwater United, Bournemouth Sports, Worthing, and local rivals Portishead Town. The season features numerous exciting matchups and concludes with a home fixture against Keynsham Town on April 26, 2026.[4]