Grimsby have parted company with manager Russell Slade after a run of 12 games without a win.

The Mariners sit 17th in Sky Bet League Two – nine points clear of the relegation zone – with the recruitment of five loan players in January failing to halt an alarming slump in form.

Former Yeovil, Cardiff and Charlton boss Slade began his second spell at Blundell Park in April 2017 but Saturday’s 3-0 defeat to Crawley proved to be his last game in charge.

A statement from Grimsby’s board of directors said: “Grimsby Town Football Club can today announce that it has parted company with manager, Russell Slade after the recent downturn in results.

“The board of directors would like to place on record their disappointment with this outcome, but believe there is little choice but to move forward with a new management team.

“The board acknowledge that the team have been extremely unlucky in recent weeks, but football is a game of fine margins and a results driven business.

“As highlighted in recent weeks, this is not a decision we have taken lightly. While the board continued to back Russell throughout the season and the recent transfer window, yesterday’s 3-0 defeat and a winless run of 12 games cannot be ignored.

“Despite speculation to the contrary, Russell was on a six month rolling contract, allowing the club the flexibility to make this decision.”

Slade’s assistant Paul Wilkinson will take temporary charge of the side while the club look for a replacement, with Dave Moore and Andy Warrington remaining on the coaching staff.

The club statement continued: “We now believe moving forward with a new manager will help ensure the club’s consolidation in the Football League for the remainder of this season.

“A competitive recruitment process will now take place until a suitable replacement is found. This is one of the most important appointments in the long history of the club and cannot be rushed, but it is important that we move swiftly with a new leader to turn around the current form.”