Accrington Stanley confirm interim boss and issue updated statement after Coleman departure

Accrington Stanley FC have announced John Doolan has been appointed as Interim Manager.

Doolan, who has been First Team Coach at the Wham Stadium since June 2017, was part of the management team that led Stanley to the League Two title in 2018.

The 55-year-old previously played for the club and captained the Reds to the 1999/00 UniBond First Division title.

Doolan will be in charge for tomorrow evening's Lancashire FA Senior Cup semi-final against Burnley, before focusing on Saturday's League Two clash at home to Bradford City

Goalkeeping Coach, Andy Dibble, and Head of Sports Science and Performance, Chris Scholes, remain in their respective roles.

Doolan said: "I have been asked to take over the reigns at the club and I will do the best job I can.

"My main focus is now on Bradford City on Saturday, and I ask all the fans to get behind the team as they always do."

It was announced on Sunday that John Coleman and Jimmy Bell would be leaving the club after their contracts were terminated with immediate effect after Stanley’s 4-0 defeat at Wrexham.

Accrington Stanley Managing Director, David Burgess, said: "The Accrington Stanley Board of Directors want to thank John Coleman and Jimmy Bell for everything they have done for Accrington Stanley Football Club.

"Without John and Jimmy, Accrington Stanley would not be an EFL club.

"From coming here in 1999 and leading Accrington Stanley back into the Football League after 44 years was a dream come true for everyone then associated with the club.

"Their commitment to the club throughout their two managerial stints was unquestionable, and that along with their successes, has made the club what it is today.

"With the probability of making the promotion Play-Offs rapidly diminishing, we decided to make the changes now so we had time, between now and the end of the season, to work on what we feel is needed in the future for the best of Accrington Stanley.

"We understand that some fans may not agree with us, but it is the Board's job to make decisions to ensure that Accrington Stanley as a football club continues to develop moving forward.

"We wish John and Jimmy all the very best for the future."