COLCHESTER United's League Two rivals Scunthorpe United have this morning sacked manager Neil Cox.

Scunthorpe's 2-1 defeat at the U's on Saturday left them rooted to the bottom of League Two.

It proved to be Cox's final game in charge at Glanford Park, with assistant manager Mark Lillis also departing.

Coach Tony McMahon and goalkeeping coach Paul Musselwhite will take charge of the team, as they begin their search for a new manager.

Scunthorpe are rock bottom of League Two after just two league wins so far this season, amassing 11 points.

 

In a club statement, Scunthorpe said: "Scunthorpe United has parted company with first team manager Neil Cox and assistant manager Mark Lillis.

"We thank them both for their efforts while with the club.

"Coach Tony McMahon and goalkeeping coach Paul Musselwhite will take charge of the team for the Emirates FA Cup first round game against Doncaster Rovers this weekend."

Former Scunthorpe academy product Cox returned to his first club to take charge as manager at the start of the 2020-21 season.

He had previously had coaching roles with AFC Wimbledon and Notts County, before taking charge of Scunthorpe.

Cox, speaking after the defeat at Colchester, said: "To beat these today was through the thirds and in the second half, we did.

"We got into some really good areas with some good chances and I'm really disappointed, because we lost the game in the first 20 minutes.

"These could have been right back in with us both on 14 points and there's a lot to play for still."