Bristol Rovers boss Steve Evans threatens to quit after Chesterfield defeat
The Scot issued the threat after the club’s winless League Two streak stretched to seven games.
Bristol Rovers manager Steve Evans blasted his players and pledged to quit if he is not wanted following a 2-0 defeat by Chesterfield at the Memorial Stadium.
The Scot issued the threat after the club’s winless League Two streak stretched to seven games as Louie Marsh and Lee Bonis goals propelled Chesterfield into the play-off zone.
When asked about a message to the fans, Evans said: “My message has always been the same – if I’m not wanted, I’ll leave. I’m not like the others that hang in for paydays.
“Let’s not mince my words. I sat on the bench for 10 seconds to have a conversation with (assistant manager) Paul Raynor. Somebody shouts when I come out ‘he’s come out from hiding.’
“I answered them that I don’t hide. I’m out the trenches. I’m not like the others. I won’t hide behind the ownership. I don’t do that.
“But I’m not doing my job. Neither is Paul. We’re not doing our jobs. But we’re being let down by inconsistent players. Poor players, in my opinion.”
Evans, whose side beat League One outfit Cambridge last weekend in the FA Cup, added: “It’s a big setback. It was three steps forward last week and five back today.
“I’ve always said, I base it on performance. Results ultimately come from performance but for 30 minutes we were atrocious.
“We’ve got players who turn up one week and disappear for two weeks. And you only recognise some of them. We have to reflect on whether we’re doing our jobs.”
While Rovers’ slump continued, the Spireites moved into seventh place after making light of the start of manager Paul Cook’s three-match touchline ban by dominating from the off.
Sheffield United loanee forward Marsh made early superiority count on 24 minutes with a classy finish, picking up Ryan Stirk’s pass before driving an angled 15-yard shot beyond Brad Young’s dive.
Northern Ireland striker Bonis had the final say on 77 minutes, intercepting Shaq Forde’s wayward pass before coolly slotting home.
Chesterfield assistant manager Danny Webb said: “It was a win that ticked a load of boxes.
“In a weird way you feel less nervous about games like this because it really is over to the players and it’s a big crowd and you can’t always hear what you’re shouting.
“Rovers wanted to kick-start their season but it wasn’t to be and we defended our box fantastically and were ruthless in front of goal.
“We could have been better in possession in the second half but you can forgive the boys when you win 2-0.”