Swindon Town Football Club announced this morning that Maurice Malpas has left The County Ground by mutual agreement.

When the Board appointed Maurice Malpas as Manager it was optimistic in that his undisputed success as a player, allied to his coaching skills and intelligence, would readily convert into success as a Manager. Despite the hard work that has gone into the Club from Maurice and the rest of his management team over the past ten months, the level of consistent success that the Club demands has regrettably eluded the Manager.

Consequently, and after much discussion with the Chairman, it was agreed that Maurice would leave the Club with immediate effect.

Assistant Manager, David Byrne, will be taking charge of team affairs until further notice.

The Board place on record their thanks for the professionalism that Maurice brought to the Club in so many areas during his tenure.

Andrew Fitton, the Chairman said:

"This has been one of the most difficult decisions that I have ever had to take, particularly as Maurice has brought many good things to the Club and has greatly improved the overall management of the football side of Swindon Town FC.

"However, in August this year we agreed with Maurice some key objectives for the season with regard to progress in the league and a certain degree of success in the FA Cup and the Johnstone's Paint Trophy. In view of the results over the past seven days, coupled with our current League position, Maurice and I decided that in the best interests of the Club he should leave.

"I want to thank Maurice personally for his contribution to the Club, much of which was unseen, but nonetheless important for the long-term success of Swindon Town. However, in football, whatever the progress behind the scenes off the pitch, we are all judged by our results on the pitch and we have to accept that if we fail, we pay a high price."