TIME’S UP FOR CURLE & TISDALE
Cobblers, Rovers make call
THE fight to avoid relegation from League One has claimed two more scalps – with Northampton’s Keith Curle and Bristol Rovers’ Paul Tisdale both being sacked.
Glyn Hodges left fellow third tier strugglers AFC Wimbledon by mutual consent a couple of weeks ago following a 2-0 home defeat by arch-rivals MK Dons, while bottom of the table Burton axed Jake Buxton at the end of December and replaced him with Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink.
Curle and Tisdale were the latest to depart, both losing their jobs on Wednesday. Former England international Curle had led Northampton to promotion from League Two via the play-offs last season, but hasn’t been able to stabilise the Cobblers in the third tier this term.
A 1-0 defeat at home against relegation rivals Wigan on Tuesday night proved the final straw. It left Northampton second from bottom, having scored just 20 goals in 26 league games, the lowest total in the division.
Chairman Kelvin Thomas: “We have a huge amount of respect for Keith and Colin (West, assistant) and we will always owe them a debt of gratitude for the promotion they achieved but we feel a change is now required.
“Our results, and in particular our lack of goals, have left us in a very difficult position in the league and we believe that this decision is in the best interests of the club as we battle to retain our League One status.”
Under-18s coach Jon Brady has been placed in caretaker charge. The 46-year-old Australian, who played for the likes of Hayes and Rushden & Diamonds, is being assisted by Ian Sampson and Marc Richards.
“Jon has a wealth of experience both as a player and a manager,” said Thomas of the former Brackley Town boss. “He also has a good knowledge of the club and our younger players and we are fortunate to be able to call on him.”
Tisdale’s reign at Bristol Rovers proved short-lived. The former Exeter and MK Dons boss only took charge in November following the departure of Ben Garner but a string of poor results have cost him dear. The 48-year-old won only five of his 19 games in charge, losing 11.
Poor
His final match at the helm was Tuesday’s 2-0 home defeat against in-form Oxford, a result which left the Pirates outside the relegation zone only on goal difference.
In a statement, the club said: “Bristol Rovers can today confirm that it has parted company with manager Paul Tisdale.
“Tommy Widdrington (head of recruitment) will be taking charge of the first-team on a temporary basis, while the club undertakes the process of appointing a new manager. Tommy will be assisted by Jack Mesure (assistant manager) and Kevin Maher (first team coach).
“Mel Gwinnett has also left his football operations role. The club would like to thank both Paul and Mel for their efforts and wish them both the best of luck for the future.”
Ex-Southampton, Grimsby and Port Vale midfielder Widdrington, 49, could be a contender for the manager’s job on a permanent basis, while former Rovers boss Ian Holloway, 57, who resigned as Grimsby manager just before Christmas, would be a popular choice with fans to fill the hotseat.