By Josh Hoare: Port Vale have today parted company with manager Jim Gannon following a string of bad results and off-the-pitch disputes.

The former Peterborough boss leaves the Valiants after just 74 days and 15 games in charge at the club.

The decision to terminate Gannon’s contract comes after Vale lost 3-0 to Accrington Stanley on Saturday, a result which saw Vale drop out of the play-off places for the first time this season.

The tenure of the former Stockport County and Motherwell boss was never far from controversy.

On February 25, Gannon and his assistant Geoff Horsfield were both forced to get off a team bus heading to Aldershot following a row.

Amid rumours of player rifts, the fans losing faith and meetings to decide his future, Gannon leaves Port Vale having won just four league games.

First team coach Mike Grew will take over duties for tomorrow’s (March 22) home game against Hereford.

Assistant Manager Horsfield is the bookies favourite to become the next Port Vale boss;  Geoff Horsfield 2/1, Mark Grew and Keith Downing at 7/1, Martin Allen 10/1, Gareth Southgate 16/1, Iain Dowie 20/1 – according to Oddschecker.com

More to follow…