Stockport County sack manager Paul Simpson

Former Shrewsbury Town boss Paul Simpson was today contemplating life back off the managerial merry-go round after he was dismissed by Stockport County.

Simpson's tenure at the League Two club - which lasted for less than six months - was brought to an end in the aftermath of Monday's 2-0 home defeat to Morecambe.

That left Stockport - who have just five victories from 23 games to their name - two places and four points clear of the drop zone.

And, while Simpson stressed on his arrival that a tough season lay ahead after the club's financial problems, the Edgeley Park Board have run out of patience.

"After much deliberation, and in view of a run of just three wins in the last 19 games, it has been decided that a change is necessary if the club is to achieve its aims for this season and beyond," a club statement read.

"With our Football League status the main priority, the Board felt that the best way forward was to make a change now."

Simpson's No 2 Peter Ward has taken over the job on a caretaker basis.

It's a fresh blow for Simpson who was sacked by Shrewsbury chairman Roland Wycherley in April, 2010, after Town's lingering play-off hopes were ended.

There were two sackings in League One yesterday as well - Chris Hutchings by Walsall and Phil Parkinson by Charlton.