Bristol Rovers will have to seek alternative candidates in their search for a new manager after an attempt to hire German coach Michael Wimmer proved unsuccessful.
Rovers had sounded out the former Austria Vienna head coach as their leading target to replace Matt Taylor but had to go to an appeals panel after seeing an application for a work permit rejected. Their appeal has proven to be unsuccessful.
The setback means that the Gas will have to look elsewhere to find a new manager with the search process being concluded before Christmas seemingly unlikely.
Dave Horseman will take interim charge of Rovers for today’s lunchtime kick-off at home to Wrexham and it now seems likely that he could lead the Gas away at Exeter City on Boxing Day too.
Rovers announced the sacking of Taylor after just over a year in charge on Monday morning and are currently 20th in League One, just two points above the relegation zone. They are set to play five games within 15 days over the festive period.