Mariners axe Rodger
06 Nov 2006 - 10:50:20
Grimsby Town have axed manager Graham Rodger following their poor start to the current campaign.
The Mariners are 22nd in League Two following Saturday's 3-1 home defeat to MK Dons, their ninth defeat in 17 games this term.
A statement on the club's official website read: "Unfortunately, injuries to players Michael Reddy, Gary Cohen, Isaiah Rankin and recent signing Kevin James, have made Graham Rodger's job especially difficult.
"Graham's relentless efforts, hard work and dedication behind the scenes have not been blessed with the results or performances that he deserved.
"Such is the pressure on this results-based industry that the board has arrived at one of its most difficult decisions, to relieve the manager of his current duties.
"Graham Rodger has been a most loyal and dedicated servant to the club since 1992. He has qualities this club needs, the shame of it is that this man deserved better.
"Sadly, he has become a victim of circumstances due to the unrelenting pressures and lack of patience that surrounds football.
"Stuart Watkiss will be asked to assume the caretaker role in the short term until the board are ready to formally appoint Graham's successor."