Cotterill to leave Notts County

Cotterill is the favourite to take over at Portsmouth (GETTY IMAGES)

Notts County have confirmed manager Steve Cotterill will leave the club when his short-term contract expires on Sunday.

The 45-year-old led the Magpies to the Coca-Cola League Two title after arriving at Meadow Lane in February but has since stalled on signing a new deal.

The former Burnley boss was linked with the managerial vacancy at Coventry before Aidy Boothroyd was appointed last week. He is also in the frame to succeed Avram Grant at Portsmouth and has been touted as a possible successor to Paul Mariner at Plymouth.

Cotterill is the third manager to leave County in the last eight months following the departures of Ian McParland and Hans Backe.

County registered 14 wins, three draws and just one defeat under Cotterill, an impressive feat given he had spent more than two years out of the game since leaving Burnley.

He told the club's official website, www.nottscountyfc.co.uk: "Leaving Notts County has been one of the hardest decisions of my career.

"It has been a real pleasure working with such a fantastic group of people, from the chairman and chief executive, players, the backroom staff, office workers and ground staff.

"The fans have been magnificent to me and I would like to thank everyone connected with the club for how they have received me since I've been here and wish them all the very best in the future."

Chairman Ray Trew added: "The job Steve did for us here will live long in the memory of all Notts County fans and, as is a mark of all great managers, he leaves the club in a much better position than when he arrived.

"To his credit Steve is a very ambitious manager and he feels the time is right to take stock of his current situation before deciding upon his next career move, which I completely understand.

"Unfortunately, the situation the club finds itself in does not allow us to rest on our laurels as we prepare for life in League One and it is with a heavy heart we must begin the search for a new manager.

"Steve leaves Meadow Lane with my thanks and appreciation and in the hope he may one day return to the club to manage us at the very highest level.

"I would like to wish Steve all the best for the future and will continue to monitor his progress with interest."