SWINDON Town have this afternoon announced the shock departure of manager Martin Ling – less than two months since the former Town midfielder took over at the County Ground.

The 49-year-old, who had taken charge of just nine Swindon games, has resigned from his position in the County Ground hotseat, citing health reasons as the catalyst for his exit.

A club statement read: "Swindon Town have today been informed that Martin Ling has resigned from his position as First Team Manager due to health reasons. 

"The club will be making a further statement in due course.''

Ling, who was part of the Town team promoted to the Premier League in 1993, was controversially sacked from his role in charge of Torquay United in April 2013 having had to step away from his duties for the final four months of his tenure after suffering with depression.

He took charge of nine Swindon Town games, winning five of them, his final match in charge coming in Monday's 1-0 defeat at Burton Albion.

Ling's son Sam this afternoon tweeted: "He wants to thank everyone at Swindon for the support he was given but his family and health are more important than anything.''

 

 

The Swindon Advertiser understands that Town's fuller statement regarding Ling’s departure is expected to be made tomorrow.

More on this story follows...

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