Stevenage sack Fairclough

Manager Paul Fairclough has had two spells in charge

Stevenage Borough have dismissed manager Paul Fairclough after a string of poor results which has seen the club win just 16 points in their last 16 games.

The club also blamed falling crowds and declining gate receipts as reasons for Fairclough's sacking.

"This board decision was about looking at the progress made over almost two seasons and deciding whether that progress was sufficient to award Paul another contract," said Stevenage chairman Phil Wallace.

"In our opinion, it wasn't, so the earlier we started a search for a replacement the better.

"We are now open for talks to appoint a replacement.

"We want a new manager to come in before the season ends and have a good, long look at our current players."

This had been Fairclough's second spell in charge of the club.

During that first spell he guided Stevenage to the Conference title in 1995-96.

But the Football League refused to admit the club on the grounds that their Broadhall Way stadium did not meet League requirements.

Fairclough was sacked for the first time by Stevenage in 1998, before he returned 18 months later.

Fairclough's current contract had been due to end in May.