Grimsby Town Football Club can today announce that it has parted company with manager, Russell Slade after the recent downturn in results.

The Board of Directors would like to place on record their disappointment with this outcome, but believe there is little choice but to move forward with a new management team.

The Board acknowledge that the team have been extremely unlucky in recent weeks, but football is a game of fine margins and a results driven business.

As highlighted in recent weeks, this is not a decision we have taken lightly. While the Board continued to back Russell throughout the season and the recent transfer window, yesterday’s 3-0 defeat and a winless run of 12 games cannot be ignored. Despite speculation to the contrary, Russell was on a six month rolling contract, allowing the club the flexibility to make this decision.

We now believe moving forward with a new manager will help ensure the club’s consolidation in the Football League for the remainder of this season.

The Board would like to thank Russell for his efforts and hard work and are bitterly disappointed that this did not turn out differently. He had a strong working relationship with the Board and all involved are disappointed to see a good, hardworking and honest man, who cared intensely about the club, lose his job.

We wish Russell all the best for the future and thank him for some of the improvements he has implemented on and off the field.

Paul Wilkinson will take temporary charge of first team affairs until a replacement is found. A local man and a legend as a player, Paul acknowledges the opportunity and huge pride that comes with managing the club. He should be supported whilst the club search for a suitable replacement. Dave Moore and Andy Warrington will remain part of the coaching staff.

A competitive recruitment process will now take place until a suitable replacement is found. This is one of the most important appointments in the long history of the club and cannot be rushed, but it is important that we move swiftly with a new leader to turn around the current form.

We will make a statement at the earliest possible convenience. We will not be making any further comment until such time.