Sources: Ex-Birmingham City coach Kennedy is leading contender to be new Bristol Rovers manager
Former Lincoln City boss Mark Kennedy is a leading contender for the vacant manager’s job at Bristol Rovers, sources have told Football Insider.
The Gas are searching for a new manager following the sacking of Joey Barton last week.
Kennedy, who left Lincoln last month for non-footballing reasons, led the Imps to a top-half finish in League One last season.
He is a leading contender for the post along with another man with strong Birmingham City connections, John Eustace, who was recently sacked to make way for Wayne Rooney.
Kennedy has briefly managed Macclesfield and also coached at Ipswich and Birmingham prior to his appointment at Lincoln.
He released a statement after leaving the Sincil Bank Stadium in October to hail his “fantastic journey” at the club and also confirmed he is looking ahead to his “next challenge”.
The 47-year-old took charge of 73 games during his 17 months with Lincoln, winning 28.
He left the Imps after a run of just one win in six – but remained 16th in the table and seven points clear of the drop zone.
The former left-back, who made 93 Premier League appearances, could now take the hot seat at the Memorial Stadium.
Barton left Bristol Rovers last month after winning four of 13 League One matches so far in the 2023-24 campaign.
First-team coach Andy Mangan is leading the side as club chiefs search for a replacement.
The Gas sit 15th in the third tier after 2-1 victory over Northampton Town last time out (28 October).
They are next in action in the FA Cup first round against Whitby Town on Saturday (4 November).
In other news, Birmingham City agree deal with ex-Man City man.