Cheltenham Town fans will have been losing belief in their team's ability to survive this season after their fourth defeat in a row at Hartlepool on Friday night - and today they've lost their manager.

Keith Downing left his job as boss of League One strugglers Cheltenham today by mutual consent.

The Robins' poor run of form since rocking West rivals Swindon 2-0 at Whaddon Road prompted 43-year-old Downing to step aside 11 months after taking over from John Ward.

He said: "I'm disappointed, of course, but looking back over the five years I've been here hopefully I've made a big contribution to the football club and I've been proud to be associated with its development.

"I wish the club well and I will always have an affection for it because Cheltenham Town gave me a first opportunity to manage and we've enjoyed some good times over the last few years."

Cheltenham chairman Paul Baker paid tribute to the departing manager who saved the Robins from relegation to League Two on the last day of last season.

Baker said: "Without question the club owes Keith a massive 'Thank you' for the tremendous amount of hard work and dedication he has put in since his appointment - both as assistant to John Ward and as manager.

"It is difficult to put into words how much he has put into the job, no one could have worked harder, no one could have been more committed and no one could have asked for more."

A press conference is to be held by the club on Monday morning.

Read the full story on Downing's departure in Monday's Western Daily Press and check the website for news on his replacement.