It is a great club, I have loved every minute

It's not unprecedented, Neil Warnock attended is leaving press conference at Bramall Lane in the summer, and Cotterill's presence today confirms the respect that both sides have for each other even though they have decided to go their separate ways.

He didn't speak during the short press conference but did speak afterwards and told the Burnley Express: "If ever there was mutual consent, this was it. There are no problems at all, no bitterness and no problems with the board of directors. There are no problems whatsoever.

"It is a big shame that it has happened, I have had a great time here. It has been a tough couple of days for me, but that is something I will just have to come to terms with. It's a great club, I have loved every minute of it and I will miss it."

Cotterill also spoke about tomorrow's game at Leicester and admitted he considered going but doesn't think he can. "My head might tell my heart I don't think I can go, but God I want to make sure they are all right.

"Steve Davis will be fine though, and the lads will be fine and I'll be rooting for them. We've had a good record over there so hopefully that will continue."

A clearly emotional Cotterill explained how he'd managed to defy the odds of English football management to stay in the job as long as three years. He said, "A good relationship with the chairman, with the board and all those I work with. And especially the supporters."