League Two: Cheltenham Town sack manager Mark Yates
Tuesday 25 November 2014 15:03, UK
Cheltenham Town have sacked manager Mark Yates following a run of four successive defeats.
The 44-year-old, had been in charge at Whaddon Road for five years and was the third longest-serving manager in the top four divisions before Tuesday's exit, leaves the club in 18th place, 10 points clear of bottom-club Hartlepool.
In contrast to their struggles in the league, Yates masterminded a 5-0 win over League One Swindon Town in the FA Cup first round this month.
A brief statement on the club's official website read: "Cheltenham Town have parted company with manager Mark Yates, with immediate effect.
"A popular figure and promotion-winning captain during his playing days, Yates returned to take charge at Whaddon Road on December 22, 2009 after leaving Kidderminster Harriers.
"He has since overseen more than 250 matches, twice guiding the club into the League Two play-offs (2011/12 and 2012/13)."
The club have said that they will make an announcement regarding Yates' replacement on Wednesday afternoon; Sky Bet have seen notable support for Paul Buckle, the former Torquay and Bristol Rovers manager, who is now long odds-on favourite for the post.
