Manager Sheridan Departs Chesterfield

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Chesterfield have relieved manager John Sheridan of his duties after three years in charge.

The Spireites have failed to win any of their four competitive fixtures this campaign, having been relegated from League One last season.

Sheridan, 47, led the club to promotion in 2010-11 and guided them to the Johnstone's Paint Trophy last season.

"He's been relieved of his duties, he's on gardening leave," chief executive Chris Turner told BBC Radio Sheffield.

"This isn't just about the four games this season, there's a bigger picture here.

"There's no names being mentioned about someone else coming in. This decision has been made over the weekend.

"I can't speak highly enough of John because I think he has been fantastic for this club."

Assistant manager Tommy Wright and goalkeeping coach Mark Crossley have been placed in temporary charge and will take the Spireites to Gillingham, one of the two clubs in the division with a 100% record, on Saturday.

Chesterfield appointed Sheridan as manager in June 2009.

After narrowly missing out on a place in the play-offs in his first season in charge, finishing eighth, the former Sheffield Wednesday and Republic of Ireland midfielder helped the club to promotion as champions in 2010-11.

They were unable to carry that momentum into the following season though and, despite victory in the Football League Trophy, he was unable to stop them making an immediate return to League Two.

Hopes were high at the Proact Stadium at the start of the season but defeat at AFC Wimbledon, followed by home draws with Rochdale and Rotherham have seen him relieved of his duties.

Sheridan becomes the second manger in the Football League to lose his job this season after Coventry sacked Andy Thorn on Sunday.

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Sheridan Hopes Trophy's a Catalyst

John Sheridan hopes Chesterfield's victory in the final of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy will provide the catalyst for npower League One survival.

John Sheridan hopes Chesterfield's victory in the final of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy will provide the catalyst for npower League One survival.

The Spireites enjoyed a break from their league travails with a victorious first visit to the new Wembley, where a second-half own goal from Oliver Risser and an injury-time strike from substitute Craig Westcarr earned them a 2-0 win over Swindon.

Chesterfield are currently seven-points adrift of safety at the bottom of the npower League One table, and Sheridan said: "I think it will help us in the league - it certainly won't do us any harm. But I won't get carried away. It is great for the supporters because it is a trophy but I know where my priorities stand. I am desperate to stay in the division and I think we are good enough to stay in it."

Sheridan added: "I am very proud at the moment. I am lucky enough to have won, and scored, here as a player (in the 1991 League Cup final with Sheffield Wednesday).

"To do it as a manager makes me proud and I am proud for everyone involved with the club, especially the supporters because they have not had a lot to cheer about this season. It is a great achievement.

"I said to the players at half-time to believe in themselves more and go out and play. And I thought we dominated the second half."

For League Two leaders Swindon, a rare defeat, but boss Paolo Di Canio insists the loss will not derail his side's promotion bid.

"It happens to the best players in cup finals, they lose concentration. But not these players in the league, no," said the Italian.

"We next play at home and that is our fortress, so I don't worry. It is a local derby (against Bristol Rovers) so a lot of people will come and support my players.

"These players have the energy and the personality over a season. It will not affect us."