Notts County part company with Kevin Nolan and Richard Thomas

Notts County have confirmed that Kevin Nolan has left his role as first-team manager.

Assistant manager Richard Thomas "has also been relieved of his duties", suggesting that both individuals have been sacked rather than resigning.

The Magpies have struggled in League Two this season, with an opening-day draw with Colchester United followed by four straight defeats to leave the club bottom of the table.

Steve Chettle and Mark Crossley will take charge of first-team affairs until a new manager is appointed.

“This is a decision we’ve made with the best interests of Notts County at heart,” wrote owner and chairman Alan Hardy on the club website.

“While the beginning of our 2018-19 campaign has been bitterly disappointing, the board and I believe results and performances throughout 2018 have not been good enough overall.

“The last eight months have seen us win only eight of our 28 Sky Bet League Two matches, a run which saw us surrender our position in the automatic promotion places before suffering defeat in the playoff semi-finals.

“Our away form has also been a continuing concern, with only two league victories recorded on the road since the turn of the year.

“Ultimately, a continuation of this form would not allow us to meet our targets for the season and, having conceded 16 goals in our last five matches and being without a win in our last 10 competitive games, we feel now is the time to move forward with a new manager at the helm.

“Everybody knows of my desire to restore the fortunes of the world’s oldest Football League club and I have invested substantial monies to strengthen our playing squad in the summer.

“Our supporters have responded magnificently by turning out in their droves but, unfortunately, their efforts have not been backed up by performances on the pitch.

“This club will nevertheless always owe Kevin a huge debt of gratitude for his work in saving us from relegation from the EFL when I first arrived in January 2017.

“It was a truly remarkable turnaround and we wish him and his team every success in the future.”

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