Atkins confirmed as Pirates chief

The Pirates have been cleared to appoint Atkins after he came to agreement with his former club Oxford United.

Atkins departed The Kassam Stadium in acrimoniuos circumstances earlier this season, but now the matter has been resolved after Graham Rix was confirmed as the new permanent manager of Oxford.

Russell Osman and Kevan Broadhurst have been in temporary charge of Rovers, following the departure of Ray Graydon from The Memorial Stadium, and Atkins could very well keep both on for next season.

Atkins will be unveiled to the media on Monday.

Meanwhile, Rovers' Kevin Austin has lost his appeal against his sending off against Doncaster.

Both Austin and Doncaster's Abe Akinfenwa were sent off following an incident in the match, but the pair have failed to have their bans overturned and will now miss the remainder of the season.