Bristol Rovers and Crawley Town have joined Cambridge United and Shrewsbury Town in being relegated to League Two.
Both sides’ demotion from League One was confirmed after Burton Albion’s 1-1 draw with Wigan Athletic.
Ronan Darcy equalised following Rumarn Burrell’s opener at the Pirelli Stadium, a result that leaves Rovers and Crawley four points behind 20th-placed Burton heading into the final weekend of the season.
Bristol Rovers’ fate was virtually sealed following last weekend’s defeat to Reading, while despite winning half of their eight matches since Scott Lindsey’s return in March, Crawley have also fallen short in their survival bid.
Relegation brings an end to Rovers’ two-season stint at this level, while Crawley return to League Two just a year after promotion via the play-offs, which saw them play third-tier football for only the second time in their history.
All four relegation places from League One are now settled before next Saturday’s games, with Shrewsbury and Cambridge already consigned to the drop.
Bristol Rovers have collected just one point from their last nine fixtures.
Three years ago, Rovers supporters witnessed a memorable 7-0 victory over Scunthorpe to clinch an unlikely League One promotion.
However, such highs have not been repeated since.
In August 2023, Kuwaiti businessman Hussain AlSaeed acquired majority control, later becoming sole owner. Since then, both chief executive Tom Gorringe and director of football George Friend have departed the club.
Two managerial changes have occurred since Joey Barton’s dismissal in October 2023, with Matt Taylor and later Inigo Calderon taking charge. Taylor alluded to instability prior to his sacking, particularly after Lee Cattermole’s brief appointment to his backroom staff without prior knowledge.
Reflecting on the club’s decline following the Reading loss, Calderon commented: “When I arrived, there were many issues that weren’t down to the previous manager, whom I respect. But it’s true there were a lot of aspects I did not like. Too many.”
On the field, results have regressed: after finishes of 15th and 17th, this campaign’s struggles deepened.
Although Rovers were nine points clear of the relegation zone in March, a sequence of six straight defeats—now nine games without a win—dragged them into trouble.
Rovers hold the worst away form in the division, recording only three victories and collecting 12 points from 22 road games.
Captain James Wilson noted last week that the squad’s fitness and standards on and off the pitch have fallen below expectations.
A lack of goals has been another problem, with just 43 scored in 45 league outings—the issues compounded by the absences of Promise Omochere (hamstring) and Chris Martin (knee surgery) in recent months.
A significant overhaul is now anticipated as Rovers prepare for a fresh start in League Two.
Scott Lindsey has averaged 1.33 points per game during his time as Crawley manager this year—enough for a 12th-place finish if maintained across the season.
The Red Devils’ promotion campaign via the League Two play-offs was followed by chairman Preston Johnson’s resignation.
Johnson reversed his decision a month later, citing his determination to continue advancing the club, but the team’s fortunes have since declined.
Lindsey, the architect of last season’s success, departed in September to become MK Dons’ head coach after 87 matches in charge.
Despite Crawley’s lowly 18th place and seven points from seven games, Johnson expressed a desire to retain Lindsey.
Former Newcastle goalkeeper and Gateshead manager Rob Elliot subsequently took charge, but won only six of his 33 matches, departing with the club 12 points from safety.
Lindsey was reappointed following his time at Stadium MK.
Successive wins over Bristol Rovers and Rotherham United boosted hopes of survival.
However, despite four victories in eight matches under Lindsey’s guidance, it was not enough to prevent Crawley’s return to League Two after a single season back at this level.
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