ROVERS have announced Stuart Jones has been appointed as the club new head of Academy.

Jones was previously head of Academy operations and replaces Eric Kinder who left the club earlier this month.

He has worked at the Academy since 2011, spending four years as head of education, before two years as Academy operations manager.

The news comes a week after Rovers confirmed their commitment to Category One Academy status, despite relegation to League One.

“I’m absolutely delighted, it is a really privileged position and look forward to getting started and continuing the really good work that has already been done by previous Academy manager,” Jones said.

“The main thing is continuing to develop the Academy with the ultimate aim of getting Academy players into the first team, whilst continuing to deliver a Category One programme.

“I’ve been heavily involved around the EPPP (Elite Player Performance Plan) requirements to make sure that we operate a Category One programme and that is right across the board from coach development, player development, sports science and education.

“It has been a really good learning curve over the last six years and I've been lucky enough to have worked with some fantastic Academy managers and I'm now ready for the challenge of stepping into those shoes.”

Rovers needed to replace Kinder as part of the EPPP requirements, and are also looking to source a replacement for former head of coaching David Lowe who has been promoted to first-team coach.

And Jones added: “We are looking forward to bringing in an experienced head of coaching over the coming weeks, as part of the management restructure, who will work with me in relation to coach and player development.”

Director Mike Cheston added: “In the first instance, we are delighted for Stuart, as he has worked very hard and it is always very satisfying in appointing someone from within the ranks.

“It is a true reflection of the work that not only he has done, but also a reflection of the staff in achieving Category One status.

“I do think we are in very good hands going forward at the Academy.”