Monday 12 March 2018 18:15, UK
Jon Whitney has been sacked as the manager of Sky Bet League One side Walsall.
The Saddlers boss has been relieved of his duties with immediate effect, ending a 15-year association with the club.
Whitney leaves after Walsall's 2-0 derby defeat to Shrewsbury at the weekend and following a poor run of results that saw the club lose four of their last five games.
The 47-year-old first joined the club as physiotherapist in 2003, progressing to the position of first-team manager on a full-time basis in June 2016.
A statement by the club said: "We thank Jon for his hard work, effort and service during his time at the club but feel that a change in management is in the best interests of the football club at this stage.
"The club will now go through the necessary recruitment process while Ian Sharps, assisted by John Ward, will take temporary charge of first-team affairs.
"The club will be making no further comment at this stage. We wish Jon all the very best for the future."
Ian Sharps will take temporary charge of the first team and will be assisted by John Ward.
