91Èȱ¬

Chesterfield have relieved manager John Sheridan of his duties after three years in charge.

The Spireites have failed to win any of their four competitive fixtures this campaign, having been relegated from League One last season.

Sheridan, 47, led the club to promotion in 2010-11 and guided them to the Johnstone's Paint Trophy last season.

"He's been relieved of his duties, he's on gardening leave," chief executive Chris Turner told 91Èȱ¬ Radio Sheffield.

"This isn't just about the four games this season, there's a bigger picture here.

"There's no names being mentioned about someone else coming in. This decision has been made over the weekend.

"I can't speak highly enough of John because I think he has been fantastic for this club."

Assistant manager Tommy Wright and goalkeeping coach Mark Crossley have been placed in temporary charge and will take the Spireites to Gillingham, one of the two clubs in the division with a 100% record, on Saturday.

Chesterfield appointed Sheridan as manager in June 2009.

After narrowly missing out on a place in the play-offs in his first season in charge, finishing eighth, the former Sheffield Wednesday and Republic of Ireland midfielder helped the club to promotion as champions in 2010-11.

They were unable to carry that momentum into the following season though and, despite victory in the Football League Trophy, he was unable to stop them making an immediate return to League Two.

Hopes were high at the Proact Stadium at the start of the season but defeat at AFC Wimbledon, followed by home draws with Rochdale and Rotherham have seen him relieved of his duties.

Sheridan becomes the second manger in the Football League to lose his job this season after Coventry sacked Andy Thorn on Sunday.