Braintree Town have sacked manager Angelo Harrop with the team currently 20th in National League.
Harrop was appointed in May 2022 and guided the Iron to promotion in May with a 4-3 win over Worthing in the National League South play-off final.
They have won only five of their 20 games this season, losing 3-1 at home to Maidenhead United on Saturday, and were knocked out of the FA Cup in the first round following a penalty shoot-out against Brackley Town.
“We have been talking with Angelo since the start of the season, and the Board have decided it is time for a change to safeguard the club’s future,” said chairman Lee Harding.
“We would like to thank Angelo for his efforts over the past two and a half years at the club. We have achieved much together on and off the field.”
Harrop has been replaced by Justin Moseley, who is stepping up as interim boss from his role as first-team coach.
Following Saturday’s defeat by Maidenhead, managed by ex-Braintree boss Alan Devonshire, Harrop apologised to supporters for the team’s performance.
“When it’s muddy, it’s wet, and [we have] these cold evenings, I’m not sure we’re ready for that, and that’s down to me. I recruited the players; we just weren’t good enough,” he told BBC Essex Sport.
“They’re all big games; every game is tough. Right now we need one or two [new players], without a shadow of doubt, a few reinforcements that can rejuvenate the squad.”
Braintree’s next game is at home to Gateshead on Saturday.
by Victoria Polley, BBC Essex sports editor
Braintree Town have form for plucking young, up-and-coming managers, and Angelo Harrop was no exception, winning two promotions and the BBC Essex Senior Cup in two and a bit seasons and working miracles on Braintree’s famously tight budget.
With no signs of an influx of money, particularly after a first-round FA Cup exit, they’ll have to pull a similar rabbit out of the hat if they’re to ensure National League survival this season.
