Grimsby Town sack manager Rodger

Grimsby Town have announced that manager Graham Rodger has been "relieved of his current duties" after five months in charge.

The Mariners, who are without a win in six games, have slipped to 22nd place in League Two - having been beaten finalists in last season's play-offs.

Assistant boss Stuart Watkiss will take over as caretaker boss.

"He has been a loyal servant to the club, but has become a victim of circumstances," a club statement read.

"Unfortunately, injuries to Michael Reddy, Gary Cohen, Isaiah Rankin and recent signing Kevin James have made Graham's job especially difficult.

"Such is the pressure on this results-based industry that the board has arrived at one of its most difficult decision.

"Graham has qualities this club needs - the shame of it is that this man deserved better."

Rodger, 39, became manager in June after ex-boss Russell Slade left Blundell Park.

He made 134 league appearances for Grimsby as a player, before spending time on the coaching staff under former bosses Paul Groves, Nicky Law and Slade.