Patterson spent 2 years with the 'Gas' and he admits its been a hard decision to leave; "It's certainly been the hardest football decision I've had to make in my life, I've been deliberating over it for two or three weeks, but I've made the decision to move on.
"It's an itch I need to scratch. I need the challenge, the buzz and the pressure that comes with senior football – that feeling when the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end. I think I've got more to offer and this was too good an opportunity and challenge for me to turn down.
"It's a club that wants to go somewhere with a new stadium on the way and training ground. They want to have a go and I want to be part of that."
Darren went on to thank his previous employers; "I can't thank everyone at this football club enough. It's been an honour and a privilege to work here, I've tried to put my heart and soul into whatever role I've been asked to do and I've worked with some fantastic people during that time."
"The chairman and all of the board have been brilliant. They said they didn't want me to leave, but they didn't put any obstacles in my way – and they could have done so if they'd wanted. I want to thank them for that." he added.
Meanwhile Bristol Rovers chairman Nick Higgs said: "Darren has been a great servant in the time he has been with the club and we will be very sad to see him go, but we could not stand in his way and deny him the opportunity to further his management career."
"He completely transformed our youth department and stepped up when he was needed to fill other roles. He will be a hard act to follow."