Bristol Rovers have appointed Graham Coughlan as their new manager on a two-and-a-half year deal.

The 44-year-old has impressed at the League One club during a five-match spell as caretaker manager following the departure of Darrell Clarke in mid-December.

Coughlan has seen the Pirates collect 10 points during that time and the club have moved out of the relegation zone to stand currently undefeated in four matches after a goalless draw with Burton on New Year's Day.

Rovers club president Wael Al Qadi told the club's official website: "From early on in his interim role, we saw something in Graham that suggested he was the right man to take this football club forward.

"We are really happy that Graham has committed his future to the club and we wish him every success here."

Coughlan's first assignment as permanent boss is an EFL Trophy clash away to Northampton on Tuesday ahead of next weekend's league match at Accrington and he is delighted to take the reigns an a full-time basis.

He said: "I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at the club since arriving in the summer and have felt honoured to be in interim charge of such a big football club for the past five games.

"I have made it no secret of my desire to take over on a permanent basis and I am thrilled to be the man the club have trusted to take us forward.

"In the five matches I have overseen the team, along with my experience and love of the game, I believe that I have shown I am capable of building on the great work that Darrell Clarke has done in recent years.

"I would like to extend my greatest thanks to the supporters, staff and board who have been outstanding in the time I have been in charge.

"I'd also like to place on note my particular thanks also to (chief executive officer) Martyn Starnes for the hard work and professionalism that he has shown throughout this process.

"Together with the supporters, we have already enjoyed some great moments and I can't wait to create even more."