Glenavon sack McBride and Fraser

Alan Fraser (left) consoles Stephen McBride after a defeat

Glenavon have sacked Head Coach Stephen McBride and Director of Football Alan Fraser after a 2-1 defeat by Coleraine left the team bottom of the table.

A statement from the club on Wednesday morning said the duo had been "relieved of their duties with immediate effect".

"The change reflects the Board's extreme concern to maintain the club's Premier League status," it added.

McBride and Fraser were appointed in mid-June but the the side has struggled at the foot of the table all season.

It is believed that the pair were informed of their dismissal after Tuesday night's defeat at Ballycastle Road.

The Lurgan Blues have won six, drawn five and lost 16 of their 27 league games this season and are now two points adrift of Newry City and Dungannon Swifts at the bottom of the table.

McBride and Fraser took over the reins at Mourneview Park after the sacking of Terry Cochrane.

It was reported in December that McBride was considering his own position at the club.

Former Ballymena United manager Tommy Wright, now goalkeeping coach at Norwich City, is among those believed to be in the running to replace McBride.

Institute manager John Gregg has moved to dampen speculation linking him with the job.

"I've got a job to do at Institute and I'm happy where I am," said Gregg.

"I have a great bunch of players at Drumahoe who want to do well."