FLEETWOOD have announced the appointment of Celtic legend Scott Brown as their new head coach.

Stephen Crainey led the Cod Army to survival despite suffering a 4-2 defeat at Wanderers on the final day.

But Crainey has returned to his role with the club’s Under-23 side following the conclusion of the season.

It is Brown’s first permanent managerial role, having left his position as player-coach at Aberdeen back in March.

“I’m delighted to have been named Head Coach at Fleetwood Town,” he told the club’s website. “It’s a great opportunity at a really exciting club.

“I’ve always had a real desire to move into management and can’t wait to meet the players and staff and get started.

“The hard work starts now. I’m looking forward to getting onto the grass."

Meanwhile, Lincoln have appointed former Macclesfield boss Mark Kennedy as Michael Appleton’s successor.

Appleton left the LNER Stadium after guiding the Imps to a 17th-place finish in League One – 12 points above the drop zone.

Kennedy has also held coaching roles at Ipswich, Manchester City, Wolves and most recently Birmingham.

“We have been hugely impressed by Mark’s knowledge, energy, drive and passion,” said chairman Clive Nates.

“We know that he is a highly respected coach and he impressed us with his desire to improve and develop players while creating an aggressive, attacking style of play that we believe will be successful in League One and excite our fans at the LNER Stadium.

"We believe that Mark can flourish within our structure and help to create the culture and environment to maximise the potential of our squad.”

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