Lowly Crawley sack manager Vines

Vines had given up his job as a postman

Crawley Town have sacked manager Francis Vines following their disappointing start to the season.

The Red Devils have won just three times in the Conference and on Saturday were beaten at home by Braintree Town in the FA Cup.

Director Chas Majeed: "It was felt by the board it was time for change. The priority is to find a new manager as soon as possible to fill the position."

Assistant manager Murray Jones has been placed in temporary charge.

Vines led Crawley to the Dr Martens League title and promotion to the Conference at the end of his first full season in charge in 2004.

The club then finished 12th last season but a switch to full-time status in the summer, following the arrival of new owners the SA Group, has not has the desired effect.

Vines gave up his job as a postman to go full-time with Crawley, who earlier this season appointed former England international Allan Mullery in a consultancy role.

The owners of Crawley expressed their thanks to Vines, a former player with the club, for all he had done in his time in charge.