Ilkeston FC part company with head coach Andy Watson

EVO-STIK NPL Premier club Ilkeston have parted company with manager Andy Watson “by mutual agreement”.

The former Rangers and Birmingham City assistant manager joined the club last summer to help manager Gavin Strachan.

However, he was named head coach in October after Strachan left the club to join up with Darren Ferguson at Doncaster Rovers.

Watson led the Robins to seven straight wins but results have been inconsistent since and a run of nine defeats in a row followed after eight players were released in February as the club opted to go with youth.

Ilkeston have won three of their last four games and are 14th heading into Saturday’s final game of the season at relegated Ramsbottom United.

A club statement read: “Andy Watson and Ilkeston FC have today parted ways by mutual agreement. All at Ilkeston FC thank Andy for his contribution this season, sometimes under difficult circumstances.

“The club wishes to make clear that we part ways on good terms and Andy will remain a much respected figure in our history. An announcement will be made shortly regarding Andy’s successor.

“Talks are also in place with several current first team players with a view to secure their services for next season.”