Worksop Town and manager part company

The former Rotherham United skipper took over at the club in October 2010, and went 10 games unbeaten before steering Tigers to ninth place in the Northern Premier.

But one win in the first 10 league outings this season, and an exit from the FA Cup at the hands of North Ferriby United on Saturday, sealed the Scotsman’s fate - and that of his assistant Phil Thompson.

Speaking to the Worksop Guardian after learning of chairman Jason Clark’s decision, McIntosh expressed his disappointment but conceded that results and circumstances had conspired against him.

“The chairman has made a decision based on results, and that’s football. It was a football decision, that’s fine and I don’t have a problem with that,” he said.

“I would have carried on, because I believe I could have changed things.”

“There were at least six players, big players for me, and they’ve played about 180 minutes combined in the first 11 games.”

“That hasn’t helped my cause.”

Summer signings Danny Davidson and Josh Davis picked up serious injuries in pre-season, along with midfielder Matt Young.

The first game of the season brought further knocks, Sam Duncum and Adam Muller limping off.

Goals were hard to come by for Tigers, as they scored just seven in the first 10 league outings.

McIntosh added: “I lost Ben Tomlinson in the summer to Macclesfield, he scored 29 goals last season and I replaced him with three strikers who’ve hardly taken to the field.”

“I think the fans and people around the club have realised that and they’ve been understanding. But ultimately the chairman has probably thought ‘when is it going to change?’

In a statement released to the Guardian, Clark confirmed that the poor results had forced his hand.

He said: “Clearly the run of form we have been in has not been acceptable.”

“There are a number of factors that have influenced the results, and it is acknowledged that we have had terrible luck with injuries, as well as some individual errors that have cost us games, that are highly uncharacteristic from such a talented and committed squad.”

The Chesterfield businessman continued: “The manager takes responsibility for what happens on the pitch, however ultimately I am responsible for the situation we are in.”

“I appointed Martin, and I am now faced with the task of replacing him.”

“I am bitterly disappointed at the way things have turned out. Martin and his assistant Phil have been honest, professional and hard working throughout, and I wish them both the best for the future.”

“I look back with admiration at the feats they achieved last season when faced with such a difficult situation, I think we all started this year with such optimism and high expectation – I hope we can still fulfil this and build from here.”

Although he obviously disagreed with Clark’s decision to sack him, McIntosh insisted there were no doubts in his mind about his ability as a manager.

“I have no doubts about myself,” he said.

“I think towards the end of last season everybody put me up there as being very, very good at what I did. You don’t become a bad manager overnight.”

But he told the Guardian he had no regrets over his time as Tigers boss - and refused to criticise Clark.

“The chairman has been very good with me, he’s backed me to bring in loan players and has always been very supportive.”

“I’ve got nothing bad to say about him, the club, the supporters or the people around the club.”

“It’s a smashing club and I wish them great success.”

For the full story see this week’s Worksop Guardian.