Simon Wiles named temporary boss at Fleetwood Town after exit of Joey Barton

Simon Wiles gets his chance as Fleetwood's interim boss after success with the youth team

Gazette opinion: Never a dull day at Fleetwood Town as Joey Barton departs

Wiles, 35, will be assisted by Steve Macauley, who also steps up from youth duties.

Barry Nicholson and David Lucas will be staying as members of the coaching set-up.

Leaving the club with Barton are his assistant Clint Hill, first team coach Andy Mangan and director of football Eddy Jennings.

Former Blackpool player and coach Wiles, who has guided Town's Under-18s to the fourth round of the FA Youth Cup for the second successive season, is expected to be given a few games in charge.

Town’s next scheduled fixture is at Hull City in the third round of the Papa John's Trophy next Tuesday, though the players and staff are currently in self-isolation after Fleetwood reported positive Covid tests on New Year's Eve.

The club has seen three League One fixtures postponed for Covid-related reasons since their last match at Crewe Alexandra on Boxing Day.

Those three games have all been rearranged for Tuesday nights: Doncaster (home) for February 9, Sunderland (away) for February 23 and Ipswich (home) for March 16.

Thanks for reading. If you value what we do and are able to support us, a digital subscription is just £1 for your first month. Try us today by clicking here.