FORMER Swindon Town manager David Flitcroft has had his contract at Mansfield Town terminated. 

Mansfield also confirmed head of football operations Greg Abbott, assistant manager Ben Futcher, goalkeeping coach Ian Pledger and performance analyst Dan Ashby have been released from their positions too.

Flitcroft, 45, left Town in March last season amid Town's push to reach the League Two play-offs to take the vacant first-team manager role at Mansfield Town.

After finishing last season in eighth - three points short of the play-offs - Mansfield entered this season with high hopes of promotion into League One. 

But after losing to MK Dons on the final day of the season, the Stags were restricted to a play-off spot - and they subsequently lost their two-legged semi final to Newport. 

Consequently, 14 months after being hired, Mansfield have today departed with Flitcroft – with academy boss John Dempster now taking charge of the first team.

Chairman John Radford said: “It is with a heavy heart that we part company with David and his staff, however, the decision has been made with the best interests of Mansfield Town Football Club in mind.

“Despite a season of progress, we were unable to fulfil our primary objective of earning promotion to League One, despite having a number of games to achieve this ambition.

“We thank David and his staff for their tireless endeavours and part ways amicably. David and his staff have been highly professional throughout their tenures and we wish them genuine success in the future.”