[themaclad]

Accrington Stanley first-team coach John Doolan has been appointed as the club's interim manager following the departure of John Coleman on Sunday.

Coleman's second spell at Stanley ended after their 4-0 defeat at Wrexham, which left them 16th in League Two.

The 61-year-old had been in charge since September 2014 while Doolan, 55, has been in post since June 2017.

"I have been asked to take over the reigns and I will do the best job I can," Doolan told the club website.

"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."

The club did not specify the length of time which Doolan will take over for in an interim capacity.

In his role as first-team coach, Doolan was part of the management team that led Stanley to the League Two title in 2018 and also previously played for the club.

Prior to joining Stanley as a coach, Doolan worked with both Liverpool's and Everton's academies and also coached at Wigan during their time in the Premier League.

He then moved to Hibernian in 2014 where he was part of the backroom team as they won the Scottish Cup in 2016.

Prior to leading the first team for Saturday's visit of Bradford City, Doolan will be in charge for Stanley's Lancashire FA Senior Cup semi-final against Burnley on Tuesday.

[themaclad]

Accrington Stanley have appointed interim boss John Doolan as their first team manager on a three-year contract.

The 55-year-old has been in charge for three games after taking over when long-serving manager John Coleman was sacked earlier in March.

Doolan, who has been a coach at the club since 2017, has taken four points from a possible nine in interim charge.

"I am very excited to take this role full-time, I am happy, I just can't wait to get going," Doolan said.

"Now the buck stops with me, the players are asking questions, the staff, there is everything to manage, but I have taken that responsibility on since I became interim manager and I have embraced it."

In his role as first-team coach, Doolan was part of the backroom team that helped Stanley to the League Two title in 2018 - while he also previously played for the club.

Prior to joining Stanley as a coach, Doolan worked in the Liverpool and Everton academies, and also coached at Wigan during their time in the Premier League.

He then moved to Hibernian in 2014, where he was part of their management team as they won the Scottish Cup in 2016.

"Having known John for several years, I'm confident he has the attitude, aptitude, and footballing ability to ensure our club grows and is run in a stable manner," chairman Andy Holt added.

"I look forward to helping John in his pursuit of the right people, and to assist him over the coming years wherever possible."