Ilkeston Town part company with manager Martin Carruthers

Carruthers guided the Robins to promotion from the NPL Division One Midlands last season as champions, but they have struggled for form so far this season, being without a win in the league and with their only victory being last Saturday’s FA Cup success at Matlock Town.

Assistant manager Wayne Hallcro has also left the club.

Chairman and owner Dave Hilton said in a club statement: “I wish to thank Martin for his hard work and success at the club, a particular highlight being the league title win last season.

“I have huge amounts of respect for him as a person and a coach and I wish him the best of luck for the future. The same applies to Wayne to whom I also express my thanks.”

Speaking on social media, Carruthers said: “I would like to thank the owners for giving us the opportunity to lead the club and for their continued support throughout my tenure. The staff behind the scenes have been great and my support staff have worked extremely hard to help us achieve our goals.

"It has been a privilege to coach the players and they deserve so much credit for what we achieved. We have made so many friends and that means as much to us as our record of results and achievements.

"It is a period that I will always remember fondly and be proud of what we achieved during our time in charge.”

Current Ilkeston player Jamie Ward will take interim charge of the team, assisted by Ben Turner.

Their first game will be at home to St Ives Town in the Southern Premier League Premier Division Central on Saturday (10th)