BROMSGROVE Rovers have axed their joint managers Gary Hackett and Jon Ford.

The pair have left the Victoria Ground club by mutual consent after meeting with chairman Tom Herbert last night.

The pair led Rovers to promotion from the Midland Alliance last season and to third place in the Dr Martens Western Division this time round.

But failure to win promotion after leading the table for more than half the season proved their downfall.

Herbert said: "It is purely on results. Since Christmas results have not been going for us. It disappointed me that we spent 20 weeks at the top and just faded away.

"Gary and Jon have done a marvellous job but I think they have taken us as far as they can.

"I just want to go forward and that is what the club is going to do."

Ford admitted: "We are very disappointed. We knew through rumours that were going round that this might happen, but our record and what we have achieved in the last 16 months has been good.

"But we have enjoyed it. For me Bromsgrove is one of the biggest clubs around here at non-league level and we feel fortunate that we were given the opportunity in the first place."

Ford added that the pair hope to be back in management soon. "If another job comes up, it is right and we feel it is a challenge, we will apply for it."

Former Worcester City boss George Rooney, who had a brief spell in charge at Rovers two seasons ago, is being tipped to return as manager.

Herbert would not be drawn on the subject other than to say: "George is a personal friend of mine and has always been in contact.

"We are advertising the post and are open to applications. The sooner it is filled the better."