Doncaster Rovers' on form League One rivals set to lose their manager

Graham Coughlan is expected to be announced as the new manager of League Two side Mansfield Town, leaving his position at Bristol Rovers.

The Irishman has led Bristol Rovers to fourth in the table, while the Stags are 18th in the division below. However it is understood that Coughlan wants to work closer to where his family is based in Sheffield.

Bristol Rovers have 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.”

Gas beat promotion rivals Ipswich on Saturday – taking their recent run to six wins and no defeats in ten matches – and despite that, Coughlan said he was considering his future.

"I need to go home and see my wife and kids this evening and spend some time with them," he said. "I've got a decision to make in my own life and my own career and where I'm going. I'm going to make that decision tonight when I go home.

“I don't know where I can take this football club. I'm going to spend this evening with my wife and kids and see which way I wake up in the morning.”

When asked if it was a personal or footballing decision he was taking, Coughlan added: I think it's both. How far can we go with the club? How far can we take it? I don't know, I'm emotional at the minute.”

Rovers take on Plymouth in an FA Cup replay tomorrow night and while the Bristol Post have reported Coughlan took training today, the club were working behind the scenes to plan for his departure.