Shaun Derry has said that he was "saddened" to have lost his job as manager of Notts County.
The 37-year-old was dismissed by the League One strugglers last week following a run of nine defeats from 12 games.
Derry believes that the Magpies were on course to achieve safety this season under his stewardship, despite their downturn in form.
"I was very saddened to leave Notts County, but I am proud to have left the club in a better place than when I arrived," he said in a statement released by the League Managers' Association.
"When I was appointed on November 6, 2013, the club was on 10 points after 15 games, two points behind 23rd place, and needed four points to reach safety. League One survival had always been the aim since pre-season this year and the club was well placed to achieve that with nine games of the season left.
"I would like to pass on my sincere thanks to my coaching staff for all their hard work over the past 16 months and, in particular, to my assistant Greg Abbott. I also thank the players who played and trained under difficult circumstances to a very high standard and I send my best wishes to everyone at Notts County for the future."
Notts are currently 20th in the League One table and only out of the relegation zone on goal difference.
Steven Toplis
