Troy Deeney was appointed Forest Green Rovers manager on December 20 with three draws and three defeats from his six matches in charge; Forest Green currently bottom of League Two; the ex-Watford striker's dismissal comes days after publicly criticising his team in scathing rant
Thursday 18 January 2024 22:55, UK
Forest Green Rovers manager Troy Deeney has been sacked, just days after publicly criticising his team following a 2-0 defeat by Harrogate.
Deeney, who has lasted 29 days in his first managerial role, accused his players after Saturday's home loss of "hiding" and "being scared", adding the team was "full of sulkers".
Speaking later on Sky Sports, Deeney said he should not have slammed his players so much and accepted he let the emotions get the best of him.
But Forest Green have parted company with Deeney after he failed to win any of his six games in charge, with the club bottom of League Two and seven points from safety.
The 35-year-old, who joined Forest Green in a player-coach role last summer, was appointed the club's boss on December 20 replacing the sacked David Horseman.
But he was unable to change their fortunes as he lost three and drew three in his short time in charge.
Rovers chairman Dale Vince told the club's website: "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."
Goalkeeping coach Dan Connor will take the reins for Saturday's game at Gillingham.
In the hours before Deeney's dismissal, the former Watford and Birmingham striker was handed a four-match touchline ban and fined £1,500 after being sent off in last month's 2-1 defeat at Swindon.
Deeney was sent to the stands by referee Scott Simpson in the 85th minute and continued to remonstrate with Simpson after being shown a red card.
