Mariners sack Rodger

Grimsby have sacked manager Graham Rodger after just five months in charge of the League Two strugglers.

Saturday's 3-1 home defeat to MK Dons left Grimsby languishing third from bottom and Rodger's assistant, Stuart Watkiss, has been placed in temporary charge.

Rodger, 39, took charge in June after Russell Slade left to take charge of League One Yeovil.

A statement from Grimsby read: "Graham Rodger has been a most loyal and dedicated servant to the club.

"He has qualities this club needs - the shame of it is that this man deserved better.

"Sadly, he has become a victim of circumstances in his current role due to the unrelenting pressures and lack of patience that surrounds football.

"Stuart Watkiss will be asked to assume the caretaker role in the short term until the board are ready to formally appoint Graham's successor."