Cheltenham Town have sacked manager Mark Yates following a run of four successive defeats.

The 44-year-old, who had been in charge at Whaddon Road for five years, leaves the club in 18th place, 10 points clear of bottom-club Hartlepool.

In contrast to their struggles in the league, Yates masterminded a 5-0 win over League One Swindon Town in the FA Cup first round this month.

Speaking earlier this week, Town chairman Paul Baker told BBC Radio Gloucestershire: "We have had extremes this year, going from the superb performance against Swindon to the dire performance the following week against Stevenage, and the record in August compared to the record in September and October.

"Clearly there are some underlying factors, it's not just a knee-jerk reaction to a single result, it's what we've experienced over the last two or three months."

A brief statement on the club's official website read: "Cheltenham Town have parted company with manager Mark Yates, with immediate effect.

"A popular figure and promotion-winning captain during his playing days, Yates returned to take charge at Whaddon Road on December 22, 2009 after leaving Kidderminster Harriers.

"He has since overseen more than 250 matches, twice guiding the club into the League Two play-offs (2011/12 and 2012/13)."

The club said a further statement from chairman Paul Baker was to follow.

Former Forest Green and Leeds United boss David Hockaday is thought to be one of the early front-runners for the post.