Altrincham FC have sacked manager Phil Parkinson, bringing an end to the reign of the longest-serving tenure in the club's history.
The Robins said they were left with "very little alternative" after a disappointing start to the National League that has left them 20th in the table, just above the relegation zone.
Assistant manager Neil Sorvel has also left the club.
A statement from the club read: "Given recent form and the current league position, it is clear that results have not met expectations. The Board therefore believes a change of direction is necessary at this point in the season.
"The Board wishes to place on record its sincere gratitude to Phil and Neil for their outstanding contribution over the past nine years. Their achievements, professionalism, and commitment have played a major role in shaping the modern-day Altrincham FC. A full tribute reflecting on their time with the club will be published on the official website in due course."
Chairman Mark Luby said that Parkinson and Sorvel left the club "in a much stronger position than when they arrived".
"They can rightly be proud of everything they have achieved during their tenure. Whilst making this change has been extremely difficult, we felt we were left with very little alternative given our current league position.”
Parkinson, who arrived at The J. Davidson Stadium in April 2017 on the eve of relegation to the Northern Premier League, became the longest-serving manager in a single spell in the club's history earlier this year, surpassing Graham Heathcote's previous record of 2,892 days in charge.
Under Parkinson's stewardship, Altrincham secured promotion as Northern Premier League champions in his first season, 2017-18. The club then won promotion to the National League via the play-offs in 2020, defeating Boston United 1-0 in the final.
In May 2022, Altrincham transitioned to full-time professional status for the first time in their 130-year history. Last season, the club finished fourth in the National League, narrowly missing out on a return to the Football League after losing 3-1 to Bromley in the play-off semi-finals.
The board has confirmed that a process is now underway to identify and appoint a new leadership team "fully aligned with the Board's long-term vision for the club".
Parkinson's final match was a dispiriting penalty shoot-out defeat at Winsford Town on Tuesday night that saw the club exit the Cheshire Senior Cup at the first-round stage.
A further update on first team management arrangements for Saturday's crucial fixture against Braintree Town will follow in due course.
