Manager Paul Cox has today left Mansfield Town Football Club by mutual consent, the Stags have confirmed.

The manager, who led the club out of the Conference and back into the Football League 18 months ago, had been under pressure from fans for his 3-5-2 tactics and a nine-match run without a win.

Assistant manager Adam Murray will take temporary charge of the first team, whilst the process of finding a successor now begins. The club said it would like to place on record its thanks to Paul Cox for his efforts whilst with us and wished him every success for the future. 

Chairman John Radford said: “I’ve had a long discussion with Paul Cox this afternoon about the future of the club. This is a club which both Paul and myself hold very close to our hearts.

”Unfortunately, as a result of those discussions, Paul and I have regrettably reached the conclusion that it’s in the best interests of Mansfield Town Football Club if he stepped down from his current role with immediate effect.

“Therefore, the search now begins for a new manager.” Mr Radford continued: “I want to thank Paul for everything which he has achieved with the club over the past three-and-a-half years. We wish him the very best of success in the future. 

“Finally, it remains for me to ask for all supporters to unite behind the club and whoever is appointed as our new manager, to ensure that the team has the best chance of achieving the successes on the pitch that we all want.”