Matt Lawlor speaks on becoming the permanent new manager of Fleetwood Town

Matt Lawlor speaks on becoming the permanent new manager of Fleetwood Town, having initially been in an interim role.

He took charge following Pete Wild’s departure, who at the time, fell to a sixth defeat in seven matches and sat 15th in League Two.

Since then, Fleetwood have won four, drew 5 and lost twice out of 11 games since Lawlor took interim charge, with his side currently 14th in the table.

Fleetwood Town are delighted to announce Matt Lawlor has been named the club’s new permanent Head Coach. 🤝

Nathan Pond and Mark Yeates have also signed permanent deals, with both being formally named as Assistant Head Coaches.

— Fleetwood Town Football Club (@ftfc) March 17, 2026

CLUB STATEMENT:

Fleetwood Town are delighted to announce Matt Lawlor has been named the club’s Head Coach.

The 37-year-old has signed a contract until the end of the 2027/2028 season following a successful spell as Interim Head Coach which has seen Fleetwood Town enjoy an eight-game unbeaten run.

Lawlor first joined the club in 2019 and has played an integral role in the club’s development both on and off the pitch.

The 37-year-old initially arrived as a youth coach before progressing into the role of Head of Coaching and Player Development, where he was instrumental in supporting the progression of players throughout the club’s pathway.

A new era begins, led by one of our own. ♥️ pic.twitter.com/98wU2PBeud

— Fleetwood Town Football Club (@ftfc) March 17, 2026

He has also enjoyed two spells as Caretaker Manager with Town’s sister club Waterford FC in the League of Ireland Premier Division.

The club are delighted to also announce Nathan Pond and Mark Yeates have also signed permanent deals, with both being formally named as Assistant Head Coach.

Speaking following his appointment, Lawlor spoke of his pride at leading the Club’s first team. “I’m absolutely delighted and proud to become the head coach of this football club.

As a local lad who grew up understanding what this Club means to the people of the town, I feel incredibly privileged to be leading the first team after nine years at Fleetwood.

Our aim is to give the town a football team they can be proud of, while making Highbury a really tough place for any side to come and ensuring Fleetwood becomes a team no one relishes facing.”

Lawlor said: “I grew up in this area, I know it means a lot to me. I it means a lot to my family. I five minutes down the road from Poolfoot. I’ve been here as an employee for about eight, nine, ten years. I’ve done pretty much every job under the sun.

“I’ve got a real affinity for this place, but obviously also going over to Waterford and within the group, so I’ve got a real understanding of what I think this area, how this area works, how this area ticks. I’ve been to Highbury a thousand times now, probably.

“So yeah, means a hell of a lot to people within the building, it a hell of a lot to me. It’s been a huge part of my life.

“When I first started here full time, I can’t tell you how happy I was and I’m still carrying that feeling with me today.”

Here’s how fans reacted as Matt Lawlor speaks on becoming the permanent new manager of Fleetwood Town…

@Mattftfc: fantastic appointment imo. Matt Lawlor’s red and white army 🔴

@BenKnapmanEFL: Buzzing for Matt Lawlor. Really deserves this opportunity. A very very good coach and understands this football club and the regime of developing young talent. It will be a long process where fans and the board need to stay patient. Give him time. Happy with this… ⚽️

@splawlor4: LFG…… congratulations and a very proud older brother over here!

Peter Harrison: Well done…. Three really deserving individuals that will take the club forward

Mertyl Turtle: Cud do with him back at Waterford

Debbie Jane: Great news well deserved

Steve Ireland: I think the results and performances support the appointment and Matt has earned this opportunity. Good luck 👍

Lynne Wilkinson: Good news for the club and players 👏👏👏

Paul Treacy: Congratulations Matt, well deserved and best of luck. Did a brilliant job for us last season and kept us in the Premier Division.

Rod Allsworth: Great news!

Linda Johnson: Well done Matt, Nathan and Mark, this is great news for FTFC, many congratulations and good luck!

Kevin Hogan: Fair play. He deserves it. An excellent coach.

Neil Barrett: Brilliant appointment he deserves it top man and coach who’s going to save us now doh

Damian Egan: Great news delighted for Matt!