Dawn of an era is Pilley's pledge

Chairman Andy Pilley 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 10 years.”

The Fleetwood chairman added: “While we appreciate the start of the season is only 11 days away, for us it isn’t about making a quick decision, it’s about making the correct decision.

“In my 12 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 £9 million training complex to attract the right manager to take us forward.

“We’d like to thank Steve Pressley and (assistant) Neil MacFarlane for their professionalism during their nine months at the club, particularly in maintaining our League One status last season.”

A new man could be in place as early as the end of the week.