David Coles has returned to Bristol Rovers for a third stint in BS7 as the former Bristol City, Portsmouth and West Ham United goalkeeping coach has been named Rovers' head of goalkeeping, supporting with training as well as aiding the recruitment department and scouting.
The 58-year-old first joined the Gas as goalkeeping coach under Ben Garner's management in September 2020 but left in the following January, with Paul Tisdale then in charge, for "personal family reasons". After Tisdale's sacking a fortnight later, Coles returned and worked under Joey Barton until the end of the season.
With Rovers relegated, Barton decided to make changes to the coaching department, with Coles relieved of his duties in May 2021. Tony Warner would be the man to replace him, but he left Rovers this summer to take up a role with Championship side Reading.
Second-choice keeper Anssi Jaakkola has been Rovers' goalkeeping coach on an interim basis, working with number one James Belshaw and young prospect Jed Ward, but Coles' return to the Gas brings plenty of experience and expertise.
"Bristol Rovers are delighted to announce the return of David Coles," a spokesman said. "Formerly the Rovers goalkeeping coach, David will take up a new role as head of goalkeeping, mentoring the goalkeepers at Bristol Rovers.
"David, 58, will support the delivery of the grass-based training programme and will also mentor James Belshaw, Anssi Jaakkola and Jed Ward with regard to their ongoing performance development needs.
"David enjoyed a 15-year playing career and was on the books of Crystal Palace, Fulham and Birmingham City. He first joined the Gas backroom staff in 2020. David will also support the recruitment department, scouting and attending matches as required."
Coles, who was in attendance at the Mem for Saturday's 6-3 defeat to Lincoln City, spent last season working as goalkeeping coach for Mumbai City in the Indian Super League.
Coles made almost 400 appearances across the 1980s and 1990s, with length spells at Aldershot Town, Yeovil Town and Gloucester City.
His coaching career began with Southampton in 1999 before departing in 2005. He would follow Harry Redknapp to Portsmouth before working with Avram Grant at West Ham.
Coles spent more than five years with Bristol City before leaving in 2019. He has also worked for Forest Green Rovers and England under-18s.
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