Bristol Rovers have revealed that manager Matt Taylor will take a leave of absence “due to an ongoing family emergency”.

Assistant manager Wayne Carlisle and first team coach David Horseman will take charge of the side in Taylor’s absence

Wanderers head to the Memorial Stadium to face the Gas in League One on Saturday, December 7.

A club statement read: “Bristol Rovers can confirm that first team manager Matt Taylor is to take a leave of absence due to an ongoing family emergency.

“David Horseman and Wayne Carlisle will take interim responsibility for all footballing duties.

“The thoughts and prayers of everyone at Bristol Rovers are with Matt and his family during this difficult period, and we look forward to welcoming him back to work as soon as is suitable.

“The club will be making no further comment and asks that the privacy of Matt and his family is respected during this time”.

League One clubs have been posting messages of support on social media. Rotherham wrote: "Everyone at Rotherham United sends their thoughts and prayers to Matt and his family," and Exeter added: "We are all sending our love and strength to Matt".

Rovers currently sit 14th in the table, with six wins and three draws from their opening 17 matches of the campaign.

Taylor’s side were beaten 2-0 by Blackpool over the weekend, with Bryant Bilongo scoring an unfortunate own goal.

The Gas are back in action this weekend when they head to Barnsley in the FA Cup second round. They also head to Leyton Orient in the league on Tuesday night before hosting Wanderers.