DEAN Saunders has been sacked as Chesterfield manager in the wake of Swindon Town’s emphatic victory at the Proact Stadium on Saturday.

The 4-0 defeat inflicted by Martin Ling’s side was a fourth League One loss in a row for the Spireites and leaves them just four points above the relegation zone.

Saunders had only taken over at Chesterfield in May but fans voiced their displeasure at the Welshman throughout the second half of Saturday’s match, frequently calling for his removal and a chorus of boos greeted the final whistle.

Saunders told the media he did not feel under pressure during his post-match press duties but was subsequently relieved of his duties just hours after the match. Assistant manager Brian Carey has also left the club.

A statement on the Chesterfield website said: “An interim management team, which will be announced in due course, will take temporary charge prior to the appointment of a new manager.”

Spireites chairman Dave Allen thanked the managerial pair for their efforts, adding: "We will not be rushed into making a decision on a new manager."

Chesterfield’s slump this season bears a striking resemblance to that of Town’s. Both sides reached the League One play-offs in 2014-15 but have failed to match those heights this term after seeing several of their best players depart.

Paul Cook masterminded the Spireites’ previous success but was prized away by Portsmouth at the end of last season, with former Wolves and Crawley chief Saunders named as his successor.

He won just eight of his 23 games in charge in all competitions and became the second League One manager to lose his job in three days following the dismissal of Tony Humes at Colchester.