Bristol Rovers have sacked manager Ian Atkins after a disappointing start to their League Two campaign.
The Pirates are languishing in 19th place in the division having picked up just nine points from nine games and they lost 4-0 at Chester on Saturday.
Rovers player-coach Paul Trollope, 33, has been appointed caretaker manager, and will be assisted by John Anderson.
A club statement read: "During this time we would appeal to all fans to get behind Paul, John and all the players."
It added: "We would like to appeal to all our fans, especially those who have chosen not to attend games in recent weeks, to come back to the Memorial Stadium, and show the players on the pitch just what Bristol Rovers spirit is all about.
"At this time, we all need to stick together more than ever and every single Gashead out there can make a difference.
"We'd like to hear everyone get behind the team this weekend (against Darlington) and whether we go a goal up or a goal down, we need as much cheering and encouragement as possible for 90 minutes."
Atkins took over as boss in April 2004 after quitting his job at Oxford United.
Rovers have told him his contract will not be renewed on expiry of the notice period, though for the time being he remains an employee of the club.
Atkins has previously managed Colchester, Cambridge, Doncaster, Northampton, Chester and Carlisle.
~RS~a~RS~Domestic~RS~q~RS~~RS~z~RS~56~RS~){kind=small}
MMIX
Home
E-mail this to a friend
Printable version
