Sunderland's League One promotion rivals braced for shock exit of manager

Rovers are fourth in League One but Coughlan is set to drop down a division to take over at struggling League Two side Mansfield Town, 18th in the fourth tier, to be closer to his family.

A Rovers statement confirmed: “Two approaches were made last week by the Sky Bet League Two side requesting permission to speak with Graham Coughlan about the manager's position, both were rejected by the club.

“However, it became apparent that the interest from Mansfield was significant and due to the fact that Graham had been working away from his family home in Sheffield for the last decade, it was evident that he would welcome the opportunity to work closer to his family and we therefore reluctantly granted permission to Mansfield to discuss terms.”