Altrincham have sacked Phil Parkinson after eight years in charge of the National League club, following a seven-game winless run.
Parkinson, who was appointed as boss in April 2017, guided the club to promotion to the fifth tier as well as a play-off spot in 2023-24.
He departs along with assistant Neil Sorvel after a run of six defeats in seven matches left the club 20th in the National League table, one point above the bottom four.
Ex-Wealdstone manager Neil Gibson has been appointed on an interim basis.
“Phil Parkinson and Neil Sorvel leave the club in a much stronger position than when they arrived,” said chairman Mark Luby.
“They can rightly be proud of everything they have achieved during their tenure. Whilst making this change has been extremely difficult, we felt we were left with very little alternative given our current league position.”
Altrincham received investment from Sale Sharks rugby club owners Simon and Michelle Orange this summer, but sold key forwards Regan Linney, Alex Newby and Justin Amaluzor. They began their season with victory over Aldershot Town and won four of their first eight league games, following victory against Sutton United on 6 September.
Since then, however, they have picked up just one point – a draw against Wealdstone on 4 October – from a possible 21.
Their 3-1 home defeat by Woking on Saturday proved to be Parkinson’s final league game in charge.
“A process is now under way to identify and appoint a new leadership team within the football department — one fully aligned with the board’s long-term vision for the club,” a club statement said., external
“In the immediate term, focus must turn to the crucial run of fixtures ahead and the urgent need to climb away from 20th position in the table.”
Gibson said, “I’m proud to be here. When the club shared its ambitions and the immediate challenges ahead, I felt there was an opportunity to make a meaningful impact, and I was excited to accept.
“While the board focuses on the recruitment of a permanent manager, Lee and I will give everything to move this team up the table and build momentum as quickly as possible.”
