Former Carlisle United manager John Sheridan has been sacked by Chesterfield.

The 55-year-old has paid the price for a dire first half of the season at the National League club, who are third bottom.

The last straw was yesterday's 3-0 defeat at Solihull Moors.

His dismissal comes a year after Sheridan quit Carlisle during a League Two promotion push in favour of a more lucrative and longer-term deal with the non-league Spireites.

The Proact Stadium club, who are fighting to avoid the drop to National League North, have also axed goalkeeping coach Mark Crossley, following the recent departures of assistant boss Glynn Snodin and head of recruitment Charlie Williamson.

John Pemberton has been appointed caretaker manager.

In a statement, Chesterfield said the decision to sack Sheridan "was taken with the best interests of the club in mind".

Company secretary Ashley Carson added: "The decision was taken after full discussion last night with majority shareholder Dave Allen and also with Mike Goodwin, chairman of the Community Trust, who is heading up the potential takeover of the club.

"Whilst I think we all knew the time was right to make this change, it is important that I work very closely with Mike Goodwin, as ultimately we look forward to a change of ownership very soon.

"There will be a joint plan going forward so that any decisions taken regarding the appointment of a new manager will be made in full agreement with the Community Trust."

Former Carlisle defender Anthony Gerrard is in the Chesterfield squad, having been signed by Sheridan at both clubs.