Pirates part company with Graydon

Graydon suffered abuse from Bristol Rovers supporters

Bristol Rovers have finally announced that they have parted company with manager Ray Graydon.

The manager was absent from Saturday's draw with Rochdale and missed Monday's training, but it was not until Tuesday that the club confirmed his departure.

"I would like to apologise for the lack of information we provided," said chairman Geoff Dunford.

"The reason for the delay in making an official announcement is because the legal documentation between the club and Ray Graydon has not been signed.

"The board of directors met Ray on Friday on a different matter, and that meeting turned to the manager's contract.

"At that meeting the terms for terminating the contract were agreed. The indication came from Ray himself.

"As I understand it, it was something Ray has been thinking about for a few weeks, Dunford told the club's official website.

Graydon has been subjected to jeers from Rovers fans who have become disillusioned with what they see as negative football which has left the side lying in a lowly 12th place in Division Three.

First-team coach Phil Bater, who took charge of the side at Rochdale, has been installed as caretaker-boss for this weekend's game with Carlisle.