Fleetwood chairman Andy Pilley vows: No rushed appointment and Simon Wiles will be given opportunity

Pilley parted company with head coach Joey Barton last week and installed Simon Wiles as interim boss.

The Town chairman and owner has been impressed with Wiles’ achievements with the academy at Highbury and felt it was right to give the 35-year-old the chance to step up.

And Wiles will be given time to press his claim to become permanent boss.

Pilley said: “Simon has been very much on my radar for a long time now.

“We believe he is an outstanding young, intelligent coach.

“We think tactically he’s very astute and very sharp, and we think he has the skill- set and all the attributes to be a really, really good manager.

“We’re at a stage now whereby I want to make the right decision here. I don’t want to make the quickest possible decision.

“Simon has pretty much been in the right place at the right time and he’s going to get his opportunity.

“I’m not in any rush to make an appointment.

“I’d be delighted if Simon does what we all believe he is capable of and takes the reins.”

Pilley is clearly as ambitious as ever for his club and added: “Really what I am looking for is sporting success.

“I think those play-offs are still in touch. I think they are within touching distance of us.

“I also really want to see a pathway for players from the academy.

“I want to see players being able to get through into the first team.

“I can talk about pathways for players but I also want us to have pathways for coaches as well.

“Simon has been with us for a while. He’s earned his stripes and now he gets his opportunity as our interim manager.”

However, there has been no shortage of interest in the vacancy at Highbury and a new face is something the chairman will consider.

For the time being, though, those interested will have to remain patient.

“I’ve had lots of interest and we’ve had lots of CVs,” Pilley said.

“I think it’s well documented that Fleetwood is a fantastic club to be at because you will get an opportunity.

“You will get a reasonable budget, you will get a fantastic training facility and an incredible chairman as well!

“That’s always going to be something that attracts managers to Fleetwood and I’ve responded to as many people as I can.

“I was drowning in an avalanche of applications last week.

“But my response has been what I’m relaying now – we’re taking stock. This doesn’t need to be a kneejerk appointment.

“We’re not near the relegation zone. We don’t need to bring someone in to get us out of the mire.

“We’re in a good strong position and we want to take stock.

“We may well speak to some people but right now it’s about supporting Simon.

“It’s about getting through a very difficult period of time for the football club with Covid, and about getting back to winning ways and those play-offs.”

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