Chesterfield have parted company with manager Jack Lester by mutual consent with the team bottom of Sky Bet League Two and seemingly destined for relegation.
The Spireites lost 4-1 away to Forest Green Rovers on Saturday and are now nine points adrift of safety with just three games of the season to go.
Chesterfield, odds-on (1/25) with Sky Bet to finish bottom, would have to win their final three matches and hope 22nd-placed Morecambe lost all three of theirs, while turning around a 19-goal deficit in the process, something Lester himself appears to concede is unlikely.
"I've spoken to [director] Ashley Carson at length and I'm desperately sorry I've not been able to save the club from relegation," said Lester, who had been in the post since September.
"Looking ahead, with the proposed plans, I felt it correct for the club to move forward without me as manager.
"I would especially like to thank [owner] Dave Allen and Ashley Carson for their amazing support. They could have not done any more.
"I would like to thank the Chesterfield fans for their support since my return to the club. Their support through difficult times was, as always, fantastic."
Carson also spoke about the decision and confirmed a number of members of Lester's backroom staff will be leaving the Proact Stadium.
Carson said: "This is an extremely sad time for the club and I am sorry to be losing Jack. Nicky Eaden, Tommy Wright and Simon Tracey will also leave the club with immediate effect."
Chesterfield play promotion-chasing Wycombe at home on Saturday, where their relegation to Conference National could be confirmed.
Ian Evatt will now take charge of the team until the end of the season, assisted by academy coach Miguel Llera.
Page last updated at 1400 BST 23/04/18
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