Lincoln sacked Schofield despite reaching last year's play-offs

Coleman spoke out after John Schofield was sacked by Lincoln City and Notts County's dismissal of Steve Thompson.

"It is very sad for the game that people aren't given the chance to try and turn things around, certainly in John Schofield's case," said Coleman.

"He made the play-offs last season so you think everything will be fine."

Coleman added: "I think a manager should be allowed to go through any sticky spells. Every manager under the sun has gone through a bad patch at some stage in his career."

Coleman is the fourth longest serving manager in English football following his appointment in August 1999.

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Since then the 45-year-old has led Accrington from the Unibond First Division into the Football League.

Stanley struggled last season but chairman Eric Whalley stuck with Coleman and saw the former schoolteacher secure the club's League Two status before making a solid start to the current campaign.

The sackings of Schofield and Thompson, plus Sammy Lee's departure from Bolton, means that 13 managers have lost their jobs so far this season, the highest number for six years.

Coleman added: "I think people should be patient as things do not happen over night.

"Sometimes people should be aware of what they are competing in and what resources people have got.