Cook in Accrington Stanley frame after Coleman's exit

Coleman has brought to an end 12-and-a-half years at the Crown Ground after personal terms and a compensation package were finalised, and Stanley are already turning their thoughts to Coleman’s successor.

Assistant manager Jimmy Bell will follow Coleman to Rochdale, with the duo set to be officially unveiled at Spotland today, while first-team coach Mark Patterson, physio Joe Hinnigan and goalkeeping coach Billy Stewart were placed on gardening leave yesterday as uncertainty remained about whether they would also make the move.

The Reds will put members of their current set-up – including senior players – in charge ahead of Saturday’s League Two fixture against Gillingham but are also starting to ponder potential long-term replacements for Coleman as they look to make their first managerial appointment since 1999.

Former Burnley midfielder Cook, who played for Stanley between 2003 and 2006 and also worked as part of the club's coaching staff, is understood to be high on their list after impressing in Ireland with Sligo.

The 44-year-old had a happy time at the Crown Ground, where he would be a popular appointment with many fans, and for months has made no secret of his desire to return to England – turning down jobs at St Johnstone and Derry.

Ex-Everton and Burnley defender David Unsworth, who left his coaching role at Preston yesterday, is expected to be interested in the position and other names linked include former Tranmere boss Ronnie Moore and Southport’s Liam Watson – a former Stanley player who would however have to give up his work at Ashworth Hospital to turn full time.

Ex-Blackburn Rovers skipper Garry Flitcroft, whose brother Steve once played for Stanley, is another name the Reds could consider after impressing with Chorley.

Coleman made his decision to depart after Stanley granted Rochdale’s request for permission to speak to their boss.

He met the Reds squad yesterday to inform them he was leaving.