Fleetwood Town chairman Andy Pilley has lavished praise on Scott Brown and reckons the former Celtic captain can lead the Cod Army to a historic promotion to the Championship.

After taking over his first head coach’s post last summer, Brown has Fleetwood currently sitting 12th in the 24 team League One. The 37-year-old also guided the Lancashire club to the fifth round of the FA Cup for the first time in their history

Fleetwood only survived in the division on goal difference last term but Pilley believes under Brown that the team can aim for promotion next term.

He said: “I’m really pleased with the way it’s worked out, I like him personally and I like him as a football manager, he’s a pleasure to have around the place.

“For us to be in the top half of the league and reach the fifth round of the FA Cup, I think that’s a fantastic achievement and I’m really looking forward to seeing us finish the season strong and get as many points as we can.

"It will be far better for my blood pressure than last season. 

“I don’t think we’ll need major surgery in the summer, we can invest in some quality players, we need quality over quantity.

"I want to push for the play-offs or the dream of the Championship next season, I really think it can happen.

“It feels like we are making really good progress both on and off the park, I’m delighted with getting so far in the FA Cup, it’s a club record, and we only got pipped in the 90th minute away at Burnley, who are runaway leaders in the Championship, a very proud night.

“Also, to see us in the top half is superb, it feels like we’re playing very good football.”