Bristol Rovers have identified German Michael Wimmer as the leading target for their managerial vacancy, Bristol Live understands, as they look to swiftly conclude the process of finding Matt Taylor's replacement.

The Gas confirmed the sacking of Taylor on Monday after just over a year in charge with Rovers currently 20th in League One, two points above the relegation zone.

Wimmer, 44, is an unknown to English football having most recently been the head coach of Austrian outfit Austria Wien. The German spent a season-and-a-half in Vienna, being appointed in January 2023 before leaving in May this year with just one game remaining in the league schedule.

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Prior to his stint in the Austrian capital, Wimmer had worked as an assistant coach at German clubs Augsburg and Stuttgart and would have been at the latter at the same time as current Gas left-back Clinton Mola. The German also spent a period as Stuttgart's interim boss in 2022.

Before his experiences with the Bundesliga clubs, he was a youth coach at 1. FC Nurnberg between 2010 and 2018.

According to the Austria Wien website from when he was appointed at the Austrian club in January 2023, Wimmer takes pride in developing young talent and wants to "play a type of football that is intense, courageous, dynamic and determined." It is also understood that he has a UEFA Pro Licence.

As a foreign appointment, Wimmer is expected to require a work permit and it is therefore currently unclear when, if completed, the appointment will be officially confirmed.

Gas interim coach Dave Horseman will take charge of Rovers' League One game at home to Wrexham on Saturday but the aim is for a new permanent manager to be in place in time to take charge of the Boxing Day trip to Exeter City with the current hope being that the man in charge is Wimmer.

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