Graham Coughlan is nearing the Bristol Rovers exit after the club granted him permission to enter negotiations with Mansfield Town.
Rovers confirmed on Monday the club rejected two approaches for Coughlan's services from the Stags last week, and in the aftermath of Saturday's stunning 2-1 win at Ipswich Town the Gas boss made the stunning revelation he was considering his future at the Mem.
Bristol Live reported on Saturday evening Mansfield were lining up Coughlan – who has enjoyed a fine 12 months in charge of the Gas, transforming them from relegation contenders to promotion hopefuls – as a replacement for John Dempster before his sacking was confirmed following their draw with Crewe.
Coughlan was not present at training this morning, with his assistant Joe Dunne leading the team through their preparations for Tuesday's trip to Plymouth Argyle for an FA Cup second round replay.
Dunne will lead Rovers from the dugout at Home Park, with assistance from Kevin Maher, Adrian Tucker and Lee Mansell.
The club will host a pre-match press conference at the Mem at noon on Monday, where more details on the club's plans moving forwards could be revealed.
A Bristol Rovers spokesman said: "The club can confirm that it has reluctantly given permission for manager Graham Coughlan to speak to Mansfield Town about the vacant position at the One Call Stadium.
"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."
In recent weeks, Coughlan has made numerous references to his family life and how he has found it difficult juggling the Rovers' job with spending time with his wife and children at their Sheffield home.
He went further following the Ipswich game, revealing frustrations with Rovers' ownership over the club's direction off the pitch, adding he needed to take stock with his family.
Mansfield are struggling in League Two, but the allure of a 45-minute commute which would enable him to spend much more time with his loved ones, has proved too much for Rovers to deny.
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