Boss McEwan sacked by Mansfield

McEwan was only appointed manager in July this year

Mansfield Town have sacked Billy McEwan after just five months in charge.

Despite an impressive start to his tenure, the Stags have only picked up four points from a possible 30.

The Stags lost 2-0 to Kidderminster Harriers at Aggborough on Tuesday night to leave them just a point clear of the Blue Square Premier relegation zone.

His assistant Neil Richardson has also departed, and experienced players Mark Stallard and Adie Moses have taken temporary charge.

A statement on Mansfield's website said: "Losing our status as a Blue Square Premier club is a proposition that simply cannot be contemplated at this stage in the club's ongoing development.

606: DEBATE Something had to give - four points from 30 is relegation form, no matter what league you are in mightystags

"We would like to thank Billy and Neil for their efforts whilst at the club."

McEwan took over at Field Mill in July, after previous boss Paul Holland was sacked - having failed to keep the Stags in the Football League.

The former Rotherham and York manager was handed a three-year contract by Mansfield on his arrival in the summer, although a protracted takeover of the club was only completed earlier this week.

Last week, McEwan had vowed to prove critics wrong after being jeered during the 3-1 defeat by Oxford - but Tuesday's defeat at Aggborough proved to be his final match in charge.