Troy Deeney has been sacked by Forest Green after a chaotic six-game spell in charge.

The former Watford striker was given his first management role by the League Two's bottom side on December 20 after replacing David Horseman.He failed to win a game during his short spell in charge, losing three and drawing three.

Rovers chairman Dale Vince said: "These are decisions nobody likes to make, but we have acted this way to give FGR the best possible chance of improving results and climbing the league table.

"We wish Troy all the best for the future and thank him for his efforts."

Deeney was promoted from a player-manager role after first joining the club in August and came in for criticism for publicly shaming his former team-mates while in charge. Speaking after a defeat to Harrogate at the weekend, Deeney, 35, said there were "too many babies" in the squad, singling out summer signing Fankaty Dabo with some particularly harsh words.

After losing 2-0, he said: "Dabo was awful again and I have just told him that he will not be playing on Tuesday. Six months ago that kid had a kick to go to the Premier League. Now he would not get a game in the National League, so is that me or him?"

The ex-Birmingham captain apologised for the comments but was also handed a four-match touchline ban for berating an official during last month's 2-1 defeat to Swindon.Crisis club Forest Green are now on the hunt for their fourth manager of the season, with Duncan Ferguson also enduring a difficult stint in charge.

They currently sit seven points off 22nd-placed Colchester in the fourth tier, with goalkeeper coach Dan Connor placed in charge for Saturday's clash at Gillingham.