National League round-up: Chesterfield sack manager John Sheridan as change in ownership takeover looms

National League strugglers Chesterfield have parted company with manager John Sheridan following a disastrous first half of the season.
John Sheridan has been sacked by Chesterfield (Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images)John Sheridan has been sacked by Chesterfield (Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images)
John Sheridan has been sacked by Chesterfield (Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images)

The Spireites have won just one of their last 12 matches in all competitions in a torrid run that included a 5-1 home defeat to Hartlepool United.

The final straw proved to be a 3-0 defeat at Solihull Moors on New Year’s Day which left the club sitting 22nd in the National League table.

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Chesterfield’s spell in the fifth tier has certainly been one to forget so far. After suffering back to back relegations from League One to the National League, the Derbyshire outfit have started each of the last two seasons as one of the favourites to win the division only to fail on a spectacular scale.

Last season saw the side endure an 18 game winless run in the league under Martin Allen, who was sacked and replaced by Sheridan almost exactly a year ago.

Things improved for Chesterfield under Sheridan last season as he guided them away from the relegation zone and to a respectable mid-table finish.

But after picking up just 27 points from their opening 29 matches, the club were prompted to make the costly but arguably justified decision to terminate the 55-year-old’s contract.

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A club statement read: “Following the season's poor performances that have led to the club currently sitting in 22nd position and with only 17 games to play, the decision was taken with the best interests of the club in mind.

“Following the recent departure of Charlie Williamson, assistant-manager Glynn Snodin and goalkeeping coach Mark Crossley will also leave the club.

“The club would like to place on record its thanks to John and his backroom staff and wish them all the best for the future.

“John Pemberton has been named as caretaker manager and will take over from Friday morning ahead of this weekend’s home fixture against Sutton United.”

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Company secretary Ashley Carson added: “Whilst I think we all knew the time was right to make this change, it is important that I work very closely with Mike Goodwin [chairman of the Community Trust], as ultimately we look forward to a change of ownership very soon.”