Struggling Chester sack manager Jon McCarthy

By Matt Badcock
CHESTER have sacked manager Jon McCarthy following the Blues’ 2-0 defeat to Solihull Moors that left them in the National League‘s relegation zone.
The Blues boss, who stepped up from his role as assistant at the end of the 2015-16 season when Steve Burr was dismissed, was relieved of his duties this morning.
He has come under increasing pressure in recent weeks after a slow start to the season that has brought one win and four draws in their opening eight games despite making some experienced additions to his squad in the summer.
McCarthy maintained he was the man to turn their season around after last night’s defeat but the board have decided to go in another direction.
Last season Chester finished two points above the drop zone and they haven’t won at home since December 17, 2016.
A club statement said: “Chester Football Club can today announce that they have terminated the contract of Manager Jon McCarthy with immediate effect.
“The Club would like to place on record their sincere thanks to Jon, a thoroughly decent man who could not have worked harder to try and deliver success – and could not have shown more commitment to the Community and the Club.
“Tom Shaw, Dave Felgate and Calum McIntyre have been asked to prepare the team for the forthcoming fixtures – we ask everybody who can to get down to the Swansway Chester Stadium and get behind the staff and players this weekend as we seek to reverse our fortunes at home.”