Cotterill quit Stoke on Wednesday, just five months and 14 league games after joining the club.

"Steve Cotterill arranged for the first team squad to have this week off and the club will make an announcement regarding interim arrangements as soon as is possible," the statement added.

Cotterill only signed a three-year contract on 27 May this year.

His move came just days after leading Cheltenham into Division Two following a play-off final win against Rushden & Diamonds.

Cotterill replaced Gudjon Thordarson, who left after a disagreement with the Icelandic consortium in charge at the Britannia Stadium.

Cotterill was seen as a gamble in Division One because of his lack of experience at that level.

But he boasts an impressive record in the lower divisions, masterminding Cheltenham's spectacular rise from the Dr Martens League to the Second Division during his five years at the club.

Cheltenham won the FA Trophy in 1998 as Cotterill became one of the most highly-rated young managers in the game.

As a player, Cotterill enjoyed spells with Wimbledon, Brighton and Bournemouth before being forced to retire through injury.