"Uncertainty is the worst thing for anyone," said Andy Mangan, just one week into his spell as Bristol Rovers caretaker manager. Admittedly, he was discussing long-term absentee Jordan Rossiter's progress towards a return but, ironically, the statement foreshadowed what was about to come over the next four weeks.
When Mangan took press for the first time since Joey Barton was sacked, no one expected the saga to go on for five weeks. I think most would admit, myself included, that they didn't immediately see Barton's former assistant as a candidate to replace him in the dugout permanently. However, by just being himself, the 37-year-old stormed up many Gasheads' personal shortlists which is an achievement in itself.
Unfortunately for him, he won't be the next manager of Bristol Rovers. Bristol Live understands that former Rotherham United and Exeter City manager Matt Taylor will be taking charge imminently. With a promotion, albeit from League Two, on his CV and experience managing in the Championship, Taylor fits the criteria laid out by chairman Hussain AlSaeed after Barton's departure was confirmed, while he's also impressed during the interview process.
The assumption is that Mangan will be bitterly disappointed, but he should hold his head high after doing a commendable job amid difficult circumstances. Not once did he say on record that he wanted the job, out of respect for his former colleague but, more importantly, his long-term friend. However, he never batted away a question and always answered as honestly and as best as he could.
To operate on a game-by-game basis for five weeks, knowing full well you want the job, must be tough at the best of times with the situation engulfed by the exact uncertainty he spoke about. I'm sure he himself would admit that when he walked through the door at The Quarters to take press ahead of his first game in charge against Northampton Town, he didn't expect to be in temporary charge for seven matches.
You could argue though that, out of all seven games, the 2-1 win over the Cobblers was the most important as it got the ball rolling. It was by no means a classic performance but the result steadied the ship and got the majority of fans, who had previously been voicing rumbles of discontent, back on side.
Given Rovers' hectic fixture schedule through November, having a one-week break between games has been a rarity so when it became apparent that Mangan would be in charge for the FA Cup tie against Whitby Town a week later, that seemed to come two-fold with it a tough ask to bring in a new manager after a Saturday game before another the following Tuesday.
It's always nice to see your team score seven goals, regardless of the opponent, so the 7-2 win over Whitby certainly boosted morale further with that seemingly a turning point where supporters started to suggest the idea of giving the interim boss the job permanently, at least until the end of the season. He was a positive figure who already is extremely well-liked amongst players and staff and had won two from two. Who knows what would've happened after Reading, but you would have to assume that a win in Berkshire would've certainly helped his case.
A draw kept the unbeaten run going but it was by far the most flat display of the trio with questions again emerging as to whether or not Mangan was the right man for the job. His audition continued with another two games, both 1-0 wins away at Carlisle United and Newport County in the EFL Trophy respectively. Then came an international break which looked to be the perfect opportunity for the saga to be put to bed with fans starting to grow restless.
Only those behind the scenes at Rovers know why an appointment wasn't made during the international break. Was it because they wanted to see how Mangan did? Was it because they weren't sure on who they wanted? Was there a lack of agreement? This isn't a piece written to be speculative so that can wait for another time.
However, since the full-time whistle was blown at Derby County last Saturday, any belief that Mangan was going to get the job evaporated as his unbeaten run ended. Granted, it was a fine display against a promotion favourite but the Rams are amongst the clubs the hierarchy want to compete with. Frankly, it's tough to celebrate a performance when the result that was deserved wasn't achieved.
Again, with the quick turnaround of fixtures, the Derby game came in a pair with Leyton Orient at home on Tuesday; that said everything that needed to be. Quite possibly the worst performance of the seven games. Fans frustrated, both with what was happening on the pitch and off it. Who can say whether the 93rd minute equaliser from Leyton Orient changed anything but it was the least the visitors deserved.
What was most telling though was the caretaker manager's post-match press conference. The 37-year-old looked visibly upset and picked his choice of words carefully and was a shadow of his usual positive, energetic self. Polite, as he always has been, but not the same as he gave, what was interpreted by everyone who heard or read it, a farewell.
Fans, as they should, will be sad to see such a popular figure depart the club having been involved in the promotion season as well as the club solidifying their place in League One last term. Not only that but he's also a top man who has time for everybody.
Speaking from experience, Mangan was always a pleasure to deal with having been put in front of the media also for the team's first three games of the season while Barton was serving a stadium ban. As long as you were respectful with your questions, he always reciprocated that respect and radiated a positive energy that made you want to be in his company.
Leaving a football club with consensus admiration, from board to fanbase, is nigh-on impossible and that in itself is something to be proud of, although it may not quite feel like it just yet.
Although it's tough, this does feel like the right decision with the club's best interest at the centre. I'm sure had the interim boss been given the role permanently that Rovers would've recorded some memorable results over the course of the rest of the season but it's tough to suggest that he would've been able to take the team to where they're expected to go which is to be within contention of a play-off spot.
The hope now is that another club sees what is a promising, young coach full of ideas and takes him on. With a Pro Licence qualification and a clear hunger, Mangan would be an asset for a number of clubs in the Football League if willing to take a gamble on someone inexperienced.
"We're in the industry of making players better," Mangan said on a number of occasions. As focus, excitement and noise surrounds the new man in the Rovers dugout, Mangan departs with everyone's best wishes and a strong sense of dignity.
