MANSFIELD Town this morning sacked manager Peter Shirtliff midway through his first full season in charge and put assistant Paul Holland in temporary charge.
And in an interview on Mansfield 103.2 chief executive Keith Haslam has also said he would be happy to sell the club as soon as possible.
Shirtliff took over from Carlton Palmer in September 2005 and quickly turned around the club's fortunes, draggi
ng them from the relegation battle towards the fringes of the Play-off spots for a time.
But, after a superb October, this season has turned sour on him, winning only once in eight games and going out all three Cup competitions. Shirtliff today paid the price for that slump.
Stags chief executive Keith Haslam said: "Unfortunately things haven't worked out the way we both would have liked and I hope that Peter gets a very quick return to management and has better luck in the future.
In an official statement on the club's web site, Shirtliff said: "I have enjoyed my time here and I am disappointed but I realise that this is a results-based business and results just haven't been good enough.
"I would like to thank the supporters for all the support they have shown me during my time here and I thank the players for their hard work and effort shown."
He later told Chad: "He (Keith Haslam) thinks a change is required.
"I am disappointed but not totally surprised because of the way things have been going of late. That's football and I have just got to move on.
"I think I will be all the better for my time at Mansfield. I have learned a hell of a lot and I don't think I have done that badly.
"In fact, under the circumstances, I think I did a decent job.
"I was told before training this morning. Paul Holland took training and then I informed the players afterwards.
"I think they were shocked but players are players and they will just get on with it.
"I have told Paul to just get on with it. I am confident that two results will turn our season around or get us back on track.
"It is only October that we were unbeaten through the month and everything seemed fine. But things change so quickly in football and it never comes as a surprise whatever happens.
"The statement the club have given out is pretty accurate and I am happy with the way they have dealt with me in terms of finshing me at Mansfield.
"I may now have a quiet Christmas at home with my family unless something else turns up in the meantime.".
Meanwhile, all eyes will be on potential buyers like sponsor Andy Perry after Mr Haslam publicly stated his intention to move on as soon as possible if someone comes up with his asking price.
