Another of the clubs in the League One relegation battle have sacked their manager tonight.

Port Vale, who have slipped to fifth bottom, have dismissed Andy Crosby.

The decision comes after three defeats in their last four games which have put the Valiants at risk of a return to League Two.

Crosby, 50, had been in charge at Vale Park since last June after a spell as No2, but the Burslem outfit are now the latest third-tier struggler to opt for a change of manager this season.

In a statement, Port Vale said: "Port Vale Football Club has today relieved Andy Crosby of his duties as first-team manager. John Schofield will also leave his position as assistant manager.

"Andy joined the Valiants as assistant manager in March 2021 and became permanent manager in June 2023.

"Andy's three years at Vale Park included his part in our promotion to League One and two separate instances as interim manager.

"We’d like to thank both Andy and John for the time they have spent at Vale Park and would like to wish them all of the best with their future careers.

"The search for our new manager has already begun." 

Vale are two points above the relegation zone and ten above bottom side Carlisle in their second season back in the third tier.

The Valiants won the League Two play-offs under Darrell Clarke in 2022.

Their decision means five of the bottom seven clubs have changed manager at least once this season.

Fleetwood Town, who are second bottom, are on their third manager of the campaign in Charlie Adam - as are 19th-placed Charlton Athletic in Nathan Jones.

Cheltenham replaced Wade Elliott with ex-Port Vale man Clarke, while 18th-placed Burton are now under Martin Paterson having started the campaign managed by Dino Maamria.

Port Vale lost 2-1 at Carlisle on New Year's Day having beaten the Blues 1-0 at Vale Park earlier in the campaign.