Exeter City assistant boss Kevin Nicholson has called on his side not to let their season be dictated by the departure of Gary Caldwell to Wigan.
Monday's announcement has left the Grecians without a permanent manager as Dan Green continues to take charge of the club on an interim basis.
After Jayden Wareham grabbed a late point with his 11th League One goal of the season in the 1-1 draw with Wycombe on Tuesday, Green takes his side to Peterborough United at the weekend.
Taking media duties before Saturday's match, Nicholson reflected on a difficult few days at St James Park.
"Gary was a genuinely popular guy," he told BBC Radio Devon. "You can't just draw a line under it straight away and go well that's it, move on.
"But at the same time it is the nature of the football. It is what's required. We have got so much ahead of us.
"The main message to the players is don't be defined by a manager. Don't be defined by a single person.
"You guys have performed really well over a long period of time, you guys are the guys in control of your own future and able to write your own story going forward."
Exeter have confirmed Green and Nicholson will remain in interim charge of the club and thanked them for their "ongoing commitment".
Nicholson told BBC Radio Devon the coaching staff spoke to the players on Thursday to help try and clarify the current situation internally.
"We had a meeting about it this morning just to draw a line under things," he said.
"It was so fresh in people's minds but the lads did really well to concentrate on Tuesday night and probably put in a better performance than it felt on the night.
"At the moment, it is just about Peterborough and preparing the best we can for that. What happens behind the scenes is a very different type of noise.
"I enjoy working at the club - I enjoy working with Greeny, he's very good at what he does.
"It's been a really enjoyable six-and-a-half years here for me and we'll let those guys [the board of directors] have their conversations and see where the land lies whenever that time is."