Bristol Rovers chief exec resigns as manager Barton due in court
He'll be replaced by current commercial director Tom Gorringe
Bristol Rovers have announced their chief executive Martyn Starnes has resigned from his role and will be replaced by commercial director Tom Gorringe.
The news comes on the day manager Joey Barton is due in court charged with assaulting his own wife back in June, something he denies.
In a short statement published on the club website, Rovers say they would like to thank Martyn for his "hard work, loyalty and dedication" over the past three and a half years.
He will also leave his role as a director.
Starnes himself says he is leaving for personal reasons.
"I’d like to sincerely thank Wael Al Qadi for the opportunity to work for a genuine family and community based club to which he has made and continues to make an extraordinary commitment," he said.
"I’ve enjoyed an excellent relationship with him and wish him every success.
"The last two seasons have been extremely challenging given the unprecedented circumstances created by the pandemic and the unexpected and hugely disappointing relegation from League 1 last season.
"I hope the Club can bounce back quickly and continue pursuing the objective of Championship football."
While there is no suggestion the two cases are linked, the news does come on the same day manager Joey Barton is due in court in London.
The former Fleetwood Town boss is accused of assaulting his wife at a home in South West London back in June.
He denies the charge but is due to appear at Wimbledon Magistrates Court.
Gorringe who will replace Starnes, first joined Rovers in 2017 having previously worked at Portsmouth, Cardiff City and Brighton & Hove Albion.
In 2015, he received the Rising Star Award at the Stadium Business Awards in Barcelona for all sports stadia globally and in 2016 he was selected to be part of the inaugural Sports Industry Next Gen programme for young leaders in sport.
Club President, Wael Al Qadi said: “I’m delighted to announce the promotion of Tom Gorringe to the CEO position.
"Tom is a trailblazer and over the years that I have worked with him he has proven to be hard working, efficient, honest and popular amongst colleagues and the fan base.
"He has successfully implemented many new projects at the club and has impressive leadership qualities.
"I have tasked him to oversee a complete restructure of the organisation, something that is necessary to ensure that the club is operating to the highest possible standards.
Gorringe says he is determined to unlock the club's potential.
"This is a special club and there is nowhere else I would rather be at this stage of my career than here working on this project," he said.
"To be leading the club during such an exciting time is an honour and I will do everything within my power to help make us as successful as we can be.
"I would like to thank Wael for all of the support he has given me and that faith that he has shown me in offering this opportunity at what is an exciting time for the club."