Hurst and Doig shown the door

PROMOTION-winning boss Paul Hurst has been sacked by Championship side Ipswich Town after less than five months in charge.

The 44-year-old, who guided Grimsby Town back to the Football League in 2016, had only taken over at Portman Road this summer.

But after just one win so far this season, and Ipswich rock bottom of the table, Hurst and assistant manager Chris Doig – who also spent time at Blundell Park – have been shown the door. Along with ex-joint boss Rob Scott, Hurst, pictured, joined the Mariners in 2011, taking sole charge two years later. He eventually guided Town back into the 92 courtesy of a memorable victory at Wembley, but less than three months into the following season, the former Rotherham defender left for League One side Shrewsbury Town.

Hurst saved the Shrews from relegation, and after leading them to the Play-Off Final last term, the Yorkshireman was given his big shot in the Championship by Ipswich ahead of 2018/2019.

Toto Nsiala, Jon Nolan and Kayden Jackson were among the ex-Town players to follow him to Suffolk, but their former manager is now looking for a new club. “I have decided that it is in the best interests of the football club that we appoint a new manager to take us forward,” said Ipswich owner Marcus Evans.

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Disappointing to see the gaffer and Doigy lose their jobs at Ipswich

Ex-Mariners skipper Craig Disley

“Paul’s arrival here in the summer was welcomed by us all and we worked tirelessly to support him fully with his plans for player recruitment, training methodology and backroom staff. “But unfortunately those plans haven’t turned into positive results, which is why I have had to take this decision.” Several of Hurst’s promotion winners, with Town, have reacted to the news on social media.

Craig Disley posted: “Disappointing to see the gaffer and Doigy lose their jobs at Ipswich, be back in the dugout in the very near future I’m sure.”

Gregor Robertson said: “Gutted for Paul Hurst. Lots of reasons for his failure at Portman Road, and the upshot will most likely be fewer Championship chairmen giving chances to managers from the lower leagues.”

Josh Gowling added: “Hursty will get a job in no time, shame he wasn’t given time to do what we all know he can.”

Pictures: Rick Byrne Above and below, action from the recent clash against Port Vale at Blundell Park. Grimsby Town resume their League Two charge against Crewe Alexandra this afternoon (3pm).