Bristol Rovers sack John Ward as director of football

Bristol Rovers have sacked John Ward as the club's director of football following their relegation to the Conference on Saturday.

Ward, who had previously been Rovers' first-team manager, was only in the role for two months.

Chairman Nick Higgs told the club's official website: "Due to the situation we find ourselves in, it is no longer economically viable to have a first-team manager and a director of football. We would like to thank John for his services, but now is the time to be making these changes."

Ward also had a spell in charge of the Pirates between 1993 and 1996.