Alex Weaver Takes Over Bristol Rovers Academy Leadership

Alex Weaver has been appointed as the new Academy Manager for Bristol Rovers. The club confirmed the hire on its website, a move that follows the departure of interim leader Damien Broad. Weaver announced the news on LinkedIn early this week, stating he was happy to begin his new role at the football club.

Broad had served as the interim Academy Manager since May 19, when Byron Anthony was appointed as the first-team coach. With the new position filled, Broad has now returned to his primary role as Head of Academy Coaching. Weaver’s appointment marks a distinct shift in the academy’s leadership structure.

Weaver’s professional background is rooted primarily in overseas football. He has never held a coaching position in England prior to this appointment. His post-playing career began as head coach for Singapore Premier League side Hougang United, a role he held for five months before resigning in 2013.

He subsequently moved to Warriors FC, where he served as head coach. In his first full season, Weaver led the team to a Singapore Premier League title. He left the club by mutual consent in October 2015. Following his time in Singapore, Weaver spent several years in Switzerland, holding positions at FC Basel and Yverdon Sport.

At FC Basel, Weaver worked as Head of Football Periodisation, a role focused on planning player training loads. He later served as Assistant Head Coach for Yverdon Sport, helping the team earn promotion to the Swiss Super League in June 2023. Most recently, he returned to Basel as Head of Coaching and Methodology before taking charge of the Under-17 team.

The academy continues to develop young talent for the first team. Kofi Shaw, 19, was sold to Brighton & Hove Albion in August 2025 for an undisclosed fee. Reports indicated the sum was likely in the seven-figure range. Ollie Dewsbury, 18, also attracted interest this summer after training with Everton’s Under-21s.

Dewsbury played trial matches against Shrewsbury Town and Sheffield United but was not signed by Everton. He has since joined Farnborough on loan, scoring three goals in six National League South appearances. Rovers' Under-18 team advanced to the second round of the FA Youth Cup on Tuesday, October 27, after beating Forest Green Rovers 3-2 at The Memorial Stadium. They will next host the winner of the match between Oxford United and Hereford.