Bristol Rovers sack manager Dave Penney

Penney's predecessor Paul Trollope lasted five and a half years in the role

Bristol Rovers have sacked manager Dave Penney after less than two months in charge of the League One strugglers.

The former Darlington, Doncaster and Oldham boss replaced Paul Trollope in January but has failed to turn around Rovers' poor run of form.

The 46-year-old's spell in charge has seen Rovers lose nine out of 13 games.

Pirates captain Stuart Campbell, 33, has been put in charge of the first team until the end of the season, while coach Martin Foyle has also left.

Foyle has been linked to the still vacant Grimsby Town managerial role.

A statement from Rovers' board of directors said: "We are all very disappointed and sad that the appointment of Dave has not brought us the results and change of direction we have been looking for.

"With 12 games left there is still a chance to get ourselves out of this situation and try and secure our League One status."

Rovers are currently kept off the bottom in League One only thanks to Plymouth Argyle's 10-point deduction last week.

I know some of the fans are disillusioned, and rightly so. They pay their money to come and watch us, and the performances have not been good enough New Bristol Rovers caretaker-player-manager Stuart Campbell

And, although five points from safety, they have a game in hand over 20th-placed Walsall.

Campbell added: "I am delighted to have been given this opportunity, although it does come in difficult circumstances.

"I firmly believe that, as a team, we have enough to get ourselves out of this mess, but we need to start winning games and picking up points as soon as possible.

"To say we are in a precarious position is a massive understatement. We have got to start winning games if we are going to survive.

"But I believe we have what it takes. I respect every player in the dressing room, and I hope that they feel the same way about me.

"We all have to pull together now, and it is vitally important that the fans continue to support us.

"I know some of them are disillusioned at the moment, and rightly so, they pay their money to come and watch us, and the performances have not been good enough.

"But we need everyone of them to get behind us now and believe in us, as we are all in this together."

Campbell, who will continue to play, will be assisted by two injured senior pros, Danny Coles and Byron Anthony, for Tuesday night's trip to Tranmere.

Penney's last match at the helm