I would have wanted my money back, says Graham Coughlan after bore draw

Graham Coughlan reflected on his fifth game as Bristol Rovers’ caretaker boss and admitted: “If I had paid to watch that game I would have wanted my money back.”

But even a dour goalless draw against Burton at the Memorial Stadium added to the 44-year-old Irishman’s chances of succeeding Darrell Clarke on a permanent basis.

Coughlan has now taken 10 points from a possible 15 since taking charge, three of the games being on the road, and is hot favourite to be given the job at least until the end of the season.

He claimed to be none the wiser about his prospects, but praised the club’s owners and board for backing him fully since he took the helm.

“They even paid for the lads to have a Nando’s meal the other day after I had suggested it and I can’t speak highly enough about the support I have received,” said Coughlan.

“It has been a hectic period and a lot of work has gone into improving results. If that is good enough to secure me the job then brilliant. If it isn’t then so be it.

“This was a flat performance and I would rather be judged on the other games since I was put in charge.

“I could have made more changes, but after three successive wins the lads involved deserved to play. I will now give them a couple of days off because they deserve it and hope to spend a bit of time with my family.”

The game was a dire spectacle for a 9,000-strong New Year’s Day crowd.

Burton centre-back Ben Turner headed inches wide at one end and blocked a goal-bound shot from Liam Sercombe on the line at the other during the second half.

Neither goalkeeper was seriously tested, but Burton boss Nigel Clough was upbeat.

“It was our sixth game in 17 days and our first clean sheet away from home in the league all season,” he said. “Apart from the last 15 minutes, we played well.

“We were dead on our feet at the end and came under a bit of pressure, but other than that I was very happy. The ball just didn’t drop for us in their penalty area.

“It was the same for them and proved to be a match between two teams who have had a tough couple of weeks.

“Quality always drops when players are tired. It’s inevitable.”

Clough revealed he was hopeful of striking a deal with Chelsea to keep on-loan goalkeeper Brad Collins until the end of the season.

“We are hoping to get that sorted out in the next day or two,” he said. “I have been very pleased with Brad and would love to get his loan extended.”