Walsall have announced that the club have parted company with manager Jon Whitney.
During the closing stages of the 2015-16 campaign, Whitney was promoted to the role of boss on a caretaker basis before eventually being handed a three-year contract at the West Midlands outfit.
However, after failing to build on the Saddlers reaching the League One playoffs in 2016, Walsall have opted to sack Whitney, bringing to an end a 15-year association with the club where he initially started as a physio.
A statement read: "We thank Jon for his hard work, effort and service during his time at the club but feel that a change in management is in the best interests of the football club at this stage.
"The club will now go through the necessary recruitment process while Ian Sharps, assisted by John Ward, will take temporary charge of first-team affairs.
"The club will be making no further comment at this stage. We wish Jon all the very best for the future."
Whitney leaves Walsall having recorded 38 wins and 29 draws from his 109 matches in charge in all competitions.
Walsall currently sit in 14th place in the League One standings, six points above the relegation zone.
Darren Plant
