Swindon part company with Malpas

Swindon Town have parted company with manager Maurice Malpas by mutual consent following a disappointing start to the season.

Malpas' departure follows meetings with chairman Andrew Fitton on Thursday in the wake of the team's exit from the FA Cup and Johnstone's Paint Trophy.

That double disappointment came on top of their poor league form, which has seen them win just four of 14 games.

Assistant manager Dave Byrne has been placed in caretaker charge.

606: DEBATE
"I think everyone wanted chairman Andrew Fitton's vision for a stable club and a long-term manager to work but this season the cracks were soon showing"
Chris-BBC Bristol

Former Scotland international full-back Malpas only took over at the County Ground in January following Paul Sturrock's return to Plymouth Argyle.

But he has struggled for results, with the final straw being the club's departure from the FA Cup and Johnstone's Paint Trophy to Blue Square Premier side Histon and League One rivals Brighton respectively in the past week.

The Swindon board placed a high importance on progression in the cup competitions, and the team's early exit from all of them is likely to cause a few financial headaches at the County Ground.

It leaves Swindon searching for their sixth full-time manager in just over three years, with Iffy Onuora, Dennis Wise, Sturrock and Malpas all having spells in charge since Andy King left the club in September 2005.

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