Tony Pulis says Steve Evans is a great choice for Bristol Rovers

Tony Pulis believes Steve Evans can guide Bristol Rovers to promotion this season, citing his track record after a strong start that sees them second in League Two.

Tony Pulis has backed Steve Evans to lead Bristol Rovers to promotion this season. The former Premier League manager, who played for the Pirates in two spells, pointed to Evans' proven record in the lower leagues as a key reason for his confidence.

Pulis spoke to Bristol Live this week. He said Evans' appointment in December last year was a smart move for the club, which finished 14th in the 2025/26 campaign. "I think Steve is a great choice," Pulis said. "His record shows he's ever so good at getting teams promoted in the lower leagues."

Bristol Rovers currently sit second in League Two with 12 points from six games, a position that supports Pulis's optimism. Their recent form includes three wins from their last five outings, though a four-game winning run was halted by a 2-0 defeat at Grimsby Town last Saturday. Tommy Leigh was sent off in that match at Blundell Park. The team has scored 10 goals so far this season, averaging 1.7 goals per game.

A long-standing connection

The 68-year-old Pulis, who retired from management after leaving Sheffield Wednesday in 2020, recalled his first meeting with Evans years ago. "I met him years and years ago - he was at Boston," Pulis explained. "Steve had rung me up and asked me to go in and do a coaching session."

Their paths crossed competitively in February 2012, when Pulis's Stoke City beat Evans's Crawley Town 2-1 in an FA Cup tie. Pulis noted Evans' success in turning clubs around and getting teams playing effective football. Evans is now aiming for a tenth promotion as a manager.

Pulis also looked beyond the immediate goal of promotion from League Two. He suggested the long-term ambition should be to build a side capable of challenging Bristol City in the Championship. "It's not only getting promotion, it's having that ability, then to invest and build something," he said. He emphasized the importance of a solid foundation, both on and off the pitch, to sustain progress beyond a single promotion push.

The immediate focus for Evans and his squad is a trip to Gillingham this Saturday. The current standings show Rovers firmly in the promotion mix early in the season. Evans will be looking for a response from his players after the setback at Grimsby, with the aim of maintaining their position near the top of the table.