League Two: Mansfield part company with manager Paul Cox

Mansfield have parted company with manager Paul Cox following the club's slide towards the League Two relegation zone.

The Stags have failed to win any of their last nine fixtures in all competitions, and two successive defeats have left them just seven points clear of the bottom two and facing a relegation scrap.

Tuesday's 1-1 draw with non-league Concord Rangers in the FA Cup proved to be Cox's final game in charge, with club chairman John Radford confirming his departure by "mutual consent".

Radford, who confirmed that Adam Murray would oversee first-team affairs on a temporary basis, issued a statement explaining the "regrettable" decision to end Cox's tenure.

"I've had a long discussion with Paul Cox about the future of the club," said Radford. "As you know, this is a club which both Paul and myself hold very close to our hearts. 

"Unfortunately, as a result of those discussions, Paul and I have regrettably reached the conclusion that it's in the best interests of Mansfield Town Football Club if he stepped down from his current role with immediate effect. Therefore, the search now begins for a new manager.

Paul and I have regrettably reached the conclusion that it's in the best interests of Mansfield Town Football Club if he stepped down from his current role

"I want to thank Paul for everything which he has achieved with the club over the past three-and-a-half years. We wish him the very best of success in the future. 

"Finally, it remains for me to ask for all supporters to unite behind the club and whoever is appointed as our new manager, to ensure that the team has the best chance of achieving the successes on the pitch that we all want."

Cox resigned as Eastwood Town manager to take the role at Plymouth in May 2011, and he led them to third place in the Conference before they were beaten by Fleetwood in the play-offs.

But they returned to League Two as Conference champions the following year, with Cox hitting the headlines when a second thumping win of the season over Barrow prompted Radford to present his Aston Martin to the manager.

Mansfield finished 11th last season after winning five of their last eight games, but they are without a win this term since their 3-2 victory over Carlisle on September 20.

Murray will be in the dugout for Saturday's visit of Plymouth, who arrive at the Field Mill Ground on the back of five wins in their last seven games.