Soccer:Former Republic of Ireland manager has been relieved of his duties at Darlington as the English League Two club's dreadful run of form continues. Staunton was appointed in October but presided over just four wins in 23 games.
Staunton took over from Colin Todd with the club already 11 points from safety. But the former Liverpool defender, in his first spell as a club manager, saw Darlington fall even further off the pace under his tenure.
Yesterday’s 2-1 home defeat to Barnet was watched by a record-low crowd of 1,463 and chairman Raj Singh has admitted that he was left with little option when it came to ending Staunton’s five-month stay with the club.
“It is with regret that we’re having to part company with another manager during what’s been a forgetful season for us, but we felt we were left with no alternative after yesterday,” he said.
“The most disappointing side to yesterday was the attendance — a record low crowd told us a lot. We desperately wanted things to work out for Steve but it clearly wasn’t to be.”
Craig Liddle and Neil Maddison are to take temporary charge of first-team affairs until a permanent appointment is made.