Plymouth Argyle: Carl Fletcher sacked by League Two strugglers
Last updated on .From the section Football
Plymouth Argyle have sacked manager Carl Fletcher after 16 months in charge of the struggling League Two side.
Argyle stand just two points clear of the relegation zone after losing 2-1 at John Ward's Bristol Rovers.
Ward was set to become Argyle director of football just three weeks ago, until being offered the job as Rovers boss.
Former Argyle and Wales midfielder Fletcher, 32, took over as boss, initially as caretaker, after Peter Reid's sacking in September 2011.
In his post-match interview with BBC Radio Devon, he revealed: "[Owner] James Brent has just done it, that's my last game today so that's me got the sack. We'll have to wait and see what the future brings.
"Since I've been down here we've been through a lot, that's football really. I might be a young manager but I know if you don't win games you don't keep your job.
"It's been a tough four years. It's obviously disappointing to end this way but that's life and that's football. It'll be nice to spend some time with the kids and the family and get away from it all.
"The way your life gets overtaken when you're a manager, it's very hard to deal with, and it's been a really good learning curve for me."
The ex-Bournemouth, West Ham, Watford, Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest player retired from playing in the summer when he was handed a new contract as manager.
The club had been actively looking for a director of football to help Fletcher since November.
"The board will now seek promptly to appoint a new manager with significant experience of football management," said an Argyle club statement.
"The team's recent results have not been good enough and, with the club's Football League future paramount, the Argyle board felt that a change was necessary now as we head into an important part of the season."
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An experienced manager would have found it equally as difficult to turn things around. All the fans wanted, was something to shout about after all the grief of recent seasons. Good luck for the future.
The problem is that these "Ultras" are the only ones making any noise at the home games too, the majority are far too quiet and apathetic.
The people of Plymouth really need to get behind their club. Given the size of the city, the home attndance figures are embarrassing.
That was down to Peter Ridsdale, who left the club some time ago. So the "money-man" has cleared off, and morals were regained when James Brent took over the club.
A manager with experience and tactical awareness please
Is it an ADHD thing ?
Why would a "The Rangers" fan feel the need to offer an opinion on a PA article.
Desperation ?
He never had any money to spend on a player and only had what at the club to work with.
He will come stronger and will take over another job soon, and in time to come he will be a great manager. Thank you for all your time and effort Carl.
Keep it green
our owner james brent has resisted calls for fletchers sacking for the majority of the season , he has backed him when nobody else would have (imo rightly so) but one win in 16 matches is going to see us in the conference and no man is bigger than any club . i am gutted that it has not worked for carl he is and always will be a ARGYLE legend but a win record of 17 out of 69 left only 1 option
Fancy a pressureless run-out Carl? Come to Chagford mate :) JP.
Sad, where I think we're going now.
I think Brent was probably right - but Fletch has had little money, and taken us through an horrendous time, so thanks to him are due, regardless.
Soccer was a joke.
Now it's a farce and not a very good one.