Ailing Rovers sack Thompson

Garry Thompson has been shown the door

Third Division strugglers Bristol Rovers have sacked manager Garry Thompson, report BBC Bristol.

Thompson had been in charge for little over three months, having succeeded Gerry Francis, who left the club on Christmas Eve 2001, following a dismal run of results.

He oversaw Rovers' spectacular 3-1 third round FA Cup triumph at Derby County in January, and the goalshy Pirates appeared to rediscover their scoring touch under him.

But recent results have been disappointing, with the club winning just one of its last 13 fixtures - a 2-1 win over Kidderminster Harriers who finished the game with eight men.

Rovers' fans frustrations at the club's poor goalscoring record were not helped when top scorer Nathan Ellington was sold to Wigan Athletic for £1.2m on transfer deadline day.

The club is reportedly due to hold a press conference some time on Wednesday.