Bristol Rovers first-team coach Dave Horseman spoke to local media on Thursday afternoon to preview the Gas' FA Cup second round tie at fellow League One side Barnsley on Saturday with Matt Taylor taking a leave of absence. Rovers announced on Thursday that the manager would be taking a leave of absence due to an ongoing family emergency with Horseman and assistant manager Wayne Carlisle taking charge of footballing duties for the time being. It is currently unclear when Taylor could be back so, for the time being, Horseman took media duties ahead of Saturday's cup tie.
The Gas were beaten 2-1 by Barnsley in the league fixture at Oakwell back in September but had enough chances to come away with at least a point. Additionally, victory would mean that Rovers could come up against a giant of English football as Premier League and Championship clubs join the third round draw. Here's a full transcript of everything Horseman said ahead of Saturday's trip up to South Yorkshire.
.. Well, Dave, obviously difficult circumstances we’re talking to you in.
What can you sort of tell us about the last 24 hours and how things unfolded? Matt has a family emergency. He needs to be with his family and look after them and the club are fully supportive and we know in times like this family comes first and it's important. So yeah, we just wish him and his family well and obviously it's business as usual for the rest of us.
I think every Gashead would echo that but it’s difficult for you and th.