Kettering Town this evening have relieved former Gillingham manager Mark Stimson of his duties as the Poppies boss.

The club released a statement on their website which reads: “Kettering Town can confirm the departure of Mark Stimson as manager of Kettering Town with immediate effect.”

“On behalf of the players, supporters and staff we thank Mark for his efforts during a very difficult period and wish him the very best for the future.”

Stimson has only been in charge of Kettering for three months in which has been a difficult time in their history as they’ve struggled financially, seeing most of their playing staff leave the club.

The 44 year old spen two and a half years in charge at Priestfield, guiding them to a Play-off final win over Shrewsbury at Wembley, but was in charge as they were relegated to League Two at Wycombe just a year later.

He went on to manage Barnet, but left there after a difficult time in charge of the League Two side and will now be replaced by former Kettering boss Mark Cooper who returns to lead the side in a caretaker basis until the end of the season.