Burton Albion are searching for a new manager after the departure of Gary Rowett to Birmingham City.
Chairman Ben Robinson gave permission to the Championship club to speak to Gary, not wishing to stand in the way of an ambitious young manager wanting to return to one of his former clubs.
The success of Burton Albion over the last three years has seen interest in Gary from Notts County, Oxford, Blackpool and now Birmingham.
Gary had been offered a contract when he first arrived at the club in a managerial capacity – but declined. He always knew he had the full support of the club and the chairman and that, as and when he decided to move on, he would do so with the club’s blessing and thanks.
Gary will be joined at the Championship club by his coaching team of Kevin Summerfield, Kevin Poole and Mark Sale.
Mike Whitlow, Head of Academy, will take control of Burton Albion first-team affairs on a caretaker basis and will be assisted by senior players Ian Sharps and Lee Bell.
Club chairman Ben Robinson said: “We understand that supporters will be disappointed that Gary has chosen to move on. He has been a very successful and popular manager and as a club we share that disappointment. Gary is a young, ambitious manager and the club have always shared his ambition to progress.
“We thank him and his coaching team for what they have done for Burton Albion.
“We will start the search for Gary’s successor immediately and know we will attract a lot of high calibre applicants for what is a very attractive job.”