Chairman focused on making the correct appointment
Andy Pilley wishes to reassure Fleetwood Town supporters the search for a new manager has already begun.After confirming the departure of Steven Pressley and assistant Neil MacFarlane this morning, first team coach Barry Nicholson, academy director Stuart Murdoch and goalkeeping coach David Lucas will take charge of tonight’s friendly against Southport.
And the chairman explained his attentions have now turned to finding a manager to take the club forward.
He said: “We know the short timescale we are dealing with but we felt it was better to come to an agreement now with Steven rather than waiting until two months into the season.
"Plans are already in place to find his replacement and we have already been contacted by a number of high profile and very experienced managers.
"I see this as the dawn of a new era at Highbury as the search for a new manager begins.
“It is now crucial we make the right appointment to take our club forward and maintain our incredible progress up the football pyramid in the last ten years.
“While we appreciate the start of the season is only eleven days away, but for us it isn’t about making a quick decision, it’s about making the correct decision.
“In my twelve years at the club we have only made four managerial changes and it’s important our next appointment is one for the long-term.
“We feel we have the infrastructure and facilities in our new £9m training complex to attract the right manager to take us forward.
“We’d like to thank Steve Pressley and Neil MacFarlane for their professionalism during their nine months at the club, particularly in maintaining our League One status last season.”
Tonight’s friendly against Southport (kick-off 7:45pm) will take place as usual, as will Friday’s game against Wigan Athletic at Highbury.