Walters wants Pirates job

Mark Walters has thrown his hat into the ring to become the next manager of Bristol Rovers.

The Pirates have been without a manager since the sacking of Garry Thompson earlier this month.

But ex-Walsall boss Ray Graydon remains among the front-runners for the Memorial Stadium post.

Walters told BBC Radio Bristol: "I've played at this level now for two or three years, so I know this standard of the game.

"The players respect me and I respect them, and I'd love something to be worked out.

"I have a lot of contacts in the game and I have a lot of first refusal on players from the likes of Graeme Souness, Walter Smith and Graham Taylor."

The veteran winger, now 37, enjoyed a top-flight career with Aston Villa, Rangers and Liverpool, earning one solitary England cap under Taylor in 1991.

Following brief spells with Stoke, Wolves and Southampton, Walters spent three years with Swindon before making the short move to Rovers in November 1999.

After sacking Thompson, Rovers chairman Geoff Dunford denied that they had already approached Graydon - but admitted that they would welcome his application.