Bristol Rovers legend Darrell Clarke has been sacked by Port Vale ahead of Saturday's fixture between the sides following a run of just two wins in 18 League One games.
Clarke added a third promotion to his managerial CV at Vale Park, backing up his two triumphs with the Gas with victory in the League Two play-off final against Mansfield Town last year.
The Valiants had made a strong start to life in League One and remain well-placed to stay in the division, but a dramatic downturn in form has pushed the board at the Burslem club to act. The 45-year-old had signed a five-year contract just before Vale's play-off final win in May last year.