Oporto Sports is delighted to announce that we are now acting as the official agents for Bristol Rovers Academy Manager Chris Hargreaves.
Chris took on his current role in the 2019/20 season having previously held various positions at the club including Assistant Manager, Development Squad Manager and Chief Scout.
Hargreaves has also worked as a pundit, firstly for Setanta and then BT Sport since 2012, covering over 150 live games across both the National League and FA Cup.
During his playing career, Hargreaves made over 650 appearances across four leagues during a 30-year career; winning promotion on five occasions, in addition to captaining and winning the player of the year accolade at four clubs.
Chris began his coaching career managing Exeter City’s U14 and U16s, nurturing players including Ollie Watkins and Matt Grimes, before becoming Development Squad Manager for AFC Bournemouth and later First Team Coach, working alongside Eddie Howe and Jason Tindall as the Cherries enjoyed promotion to the Championship.
Chris then became manager of Torquay United, guiding the Gulls to the FA Trophy semi-finals, developing several players along the way, such as Angus McDonald, and giving debuts to Aiden O’Brien, Jayden Stockley and Bailey Cargill.
Whilst at Bristol Rovers, Chris led the Development Squad to the league title, as well as helping to guide the first team to safety as Assistant Manager to Graham Coughlan in the 2018/19 season, with the team seemingly destined for relegation.
As Academy Manager, Chris coaches both the U18s and U23s, and the Academy have recently received record fees for academy graduates from a Premier League club.
Speaking about the agreement, Oporto director Dean Eldredge said: “Since talking with Chris, I’ve been very impressed with him, and feel certain he has a great deal to offer the game as a coach and manager, alongside his impressive media skills.
“We are looking forward to supporting him on his coaching journey in the future.”
For all enquiries relating to Chris, please email dean@oportosports.com
