BRISTOL ROVERS manager Matt Taylor has been forced to step away due to a family emergency.
The League One boss will step down indefinitely due to an ongoing emergency.
A statement from the club read: “Bristol Rovers can confirm that first-team manager Matt Taylor is to take a leave of absence due to an ongoing family emergency.
“David Horseman and Wayne Carlisle will take interim responsibility for all footballing duties.
“The thoughts and prayers of everyone at Bristol Rovers are with Matt and his family during this difficult period, and we look forward to welcoming him back to work as soon as is suitable.
“The Club will be making no further comment and asks that the privacy of Matt and his family is respected during this time.”
Assistant manager Wayne Carlisle and first team coach David Horseman will step in as interim bosses in Taylor’s absence.
Taylor was in the dugout for Rovers’ 2-0 defeat to Blackpool on Tuesday night.
The Pirates currently sit 14th in League One, having won six, drawn three and lost eight of their games.
They face Barnsley in the FA Cup on Saturday, their first clash without Taylor at the helm.
Fans have sent their well-wished to Taylor amid the news and are right behind their gaffer during his difficult time.
One wrote: “Thoughts are with Matt & his family at this difficult time”.
While another added: “Family come first despite our love for the club. Thoughts & prayers to MT and his family. Stronger united”.
And a third commented: “Such sad news, thoughts with him and his family.”
Fellow Football League clubs such as Rotherham, Exeter City and Bristol City also posted messages of support.
